§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonweath Affairs what steps are being taken by the Government to ensure the prosperity and freedom of the people of Gan after the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force from the island.
§ Mr. RowlandsWe have expressed our readiness to the Government of Maldives to provide advice on development needs and priorities and, in the context of prospective additional aid, to discuss the part the British Government might play in the economic development of the Maldives.
Maldives is a sovereign and fully independent State. The protection of its citizens is the responsibility of the Maldivian Government and is a matter in which Her Majesty's Government have no standing.