§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timetable has been agreed in regard to the constitutional steps leading to the independence of the Gilbert Islands; and what discussions have been held and with whom in regard to the Banaban claim for the independence of Ocean Island.
§ Mr. RowlandsWe have agreed to hold talks with representatives of the Gilbert Islands this summer with a view to the introduction of internal self-government by the end of 1976, on the understanding that independence would follow in a definite period.
Issues affecting Ocean Island, including the Banaban claim for independence, have for some time been the subject of 638W confidential consultations with other interested Governments, but I am not in a position to say more at present.