§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the intentions of the Government towards the inhabitants of Ocean Island in the light of recent legal proceedings.
§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are being made by Her Majesty's Government to compensate the Banaban people for losses resulting from the exploitation of phosphate on their island.
§ Mr. LuardHer Majesty's Government will continue their consultations with the Governments of Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, as well as the Government of556W the Gilbert Islands and the Banaban leaders, in their efforts to reach a solution of the problems affecting the future of the Banaban community. The comments of the Vice-Chancellor in his recent judgment will be taken into account. My right hon. and noble Friend said in another place on 7th December that Her Majesty's Government will do everything that is possible and in equity to help the Banaban community, as they will to help the Gilbertese community.
Phosphate revenues paid to the Banaban community up to the middle of 1976 total some $A12 million and on current phosphate prices they are likely to receive a further $A10 million before mining ceases.