New Hebrides (Hansard, 2 November 1976)

§ Mr. Newens
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Radio Vanafo in the New Hebrides is a legal broadcasting station; and what action has been taken to ensure that the law is enforced.

§ Mr. Luard
Radio Vanafo is not an authorised broadcasting station. Local 567W regulations and the need to apply for a broadcasting licence have been brought to the attention of the operators of the station.

§ Mr. Newens
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent political disturbances and casualties suffered in Sunto in the New Hebrides.

§ Mr. Luard
The National Party held a peaceful political rally in Santo on Saturday 9th October. During the same weekend there were some rowdy incidents in which one person was injured. No complaint was made to the police.

§ Mr. Newens
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consult with the French authorities about complaints of political intimidation made by the leaders of a section of the New Hebridean population of Santo and seek to ensure that the British and French Resident Commissioners take all necessary steps to provide conditions in which the whole population can freely exercise their democratic rights.

§ Mr. Luard
Appropriate measures, including police reinforcements, were taken by the British and French Commissioners to ensure the peaceful conduct of the by-elections in Santo and to investigate any alleged cases of intimidation.

§ Mr. Newens
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consult with the French authorities about the need to ensure that all those qualified to vote in by-elections pending in the New Hebrides are registered in time to cast their votes.

§ Mr. Luard
The British and French Resident Commissioners made arrangements for all persons qualified as electors but who were previously not registered to obtain their electors' cards before polling day. A special registration team was set up and announcements explaining, the procedure were made by radio, Reports so far suggest a high turn-out.