§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth 170W Affairs what progress has been made as the result of recent contacts between Great Britain and Guatemala towards an agreement on the future of Belize; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RowlandsWith the Premier of Belize, Mr. George Price, I met the Guatemalan Foreign Minister in Panama City on 21st and 22nd September to continue the negotiations, begun in April this year, aimed at bringing Belize to secure independence as soon as possible. Some progress was made at these talks and a further round is envisaged in the near future.