HC Deb 17 June 1977 vol 933 cc282-3W
Mrs. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Belize in view of the declared policies of Guatemala; and whether he has made any representations to the United States Government regarding their supply of arms to Guatemala which may be used against Belize.

Mr. Rowlands

It is the Government's policy to bring Belize to independence on the basis of a negotiated settlement with Guatemala which is acceptable to the people and Government of Belize. The latest round of talks to this end started in April 1976, and the next meeting at ministerial level is scheduled to take place in Washington on 6th and 7th July. Our views on the supply of arms

Social Secuirity Week ending 30th April 1977 New claims during Week ending 7th May 1977 Week ending 14th May 1977
Antrim 65 1,188 307
Ballymena 59 1,491 276
Carrickfergus 54 941 242
Larne 41 1,497 398
Coleraine 89 344 114
Ballymoney 32 491 90
Total 340 5,952 1,427

The number of claimants who stated that they had been intimidated out of their work in each of the six social security offices are as follows:

Antrim 1,104
Ballymena 1,506
Carrickfergus 1,060
Larne 522
Coleraine 103
Ballymoney 438
Total 4,733

All claims are, of course, fully investigated before any decisions are made on payments.