§ Lord BROCKWAYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What conclusions have been reached regarding the future self-government and independence of the Gilbert Islands and what arrangements have been made for self-determination of the people of Benaba (Ocean Island).
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSInternal self-government for the Gilbert Islands is planned to come into effect on 1st November 1976. Subject to the approval of Parliament and following elections in the Gilbert Islands, it is hoped that independence will be achieved during 1978. The arrangements for internal self-government do not involve any change in the status of Ocean Island as part of the Gilbert Islands. Representatives of the Banaban community will be given an opportunity to comment on the draft internal self-government Constitution which will safeguard their rights on Ocean Island. They will also be given a full opportunity to participate in the discussions on the arrangements for independence for the Gilbert Islands.