§ 14. Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the grounds for the statement, Official Report, 24th May, column 1552, that the Banabans regarded the Government offer of an ex-gratia payment of $A10 as generous; and which individual or representative body said this and when.
§ Mr. LuardBanaban representatives have indicated their acceptance of the offer: that fact alone suggests that they do not regard it as ungenerous.
§ 19. Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any commitment or financial agreement has been reached between the Council of Ministers of the Gilbert Islands and the new Rabi Council representing the Banabans; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardI understand that no financial commitment or agreement has been reached between the parties.
§ 22. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has made to the partner Governments of Australia and New Zealand for the rehabilitation of Banaba or Ocean Island when phosphate mining by the British Phosphate Commission there comes to an end.
§ 30. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has taken any steps to ascertain the views of the new Rabi 552W Council of Leaders on the future of Banaba or Ocean Island.
§ Mr. LuardThe Gilbert Islands Government and the new Rabi Council of Leaders recently met in Tarawa to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the constitutional future of Banaba. We look forward to exchanges of view with the Council.