§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Seretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Government of New Zealand about the future constitutional status of Ocean Island;
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Australia about the future constitutional status of Ocean Island.
§ Mr. LuardWe have had discussions with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand about the ex gratia payment to the Banabans and the terms of my right hon. Friend's statement of 27th May were agreed with both Governments. The future constitutional status of Ocean Island is of course a matter for the United Kingdom Government, but it has been our practice to keep the Govern-60W ments of Australia and New Zealand generally informed.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Fiji about the future constitutional status of Ocean Island.
§ Mr. LuardMy right hon. Friend had a valuable discussion of this question with the Prime Minister of Fiji on 15th June.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will invite the Secretary-General of the United Nations to appoint a mediator to resolve outstanding differences between the Chief Minister of the Gilbert Islands and the Banaban Council of Elders.
§ Mr. LuardI think the best way to resolve these differences is through direct discussions between the Gilberts Government and the Rabi Council of Leaders. This Government are very willing to try and promote such discussions and to mediate where this is possible and desirable.