HC Deb 27 June 1977 vol 934 c51W
Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to be able to announce the date upon which the Gilbert Islands will become independent.

Mr. Luard

There is at present no fixed date for independence in the Gilbert Islands. It has been agreed that a General Election will be held before a constitutional conference, and under the present constitution the General Election must be held not later than 13th August