HC Deb 13 February 1979 vol 962 cc484-7W
190. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether there is any continental shelf around Ocean Island—Banaba; and whether it or the continental slope contains sedimentary rock of a type that may accommodate oil and natural gas.

Mr. Luard

There is no continental shelf around Ocean Island—Banaba. On present geological information the possibility that the subsea rock contains oil or natural gas is remote.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the depth of water within 200 miles of Ocean Island: and whether a geological analysis has been carried out of the mineral resources in the seabed.

Mr. Luard

The sea bed around Ocean Island—Banaba—falls away steeply in all directions reaching depths of 3,000 to 4,500 metres. We know of no geological analysis of the type mentioned.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of Ocean Island has been covered by phosphate mining; what investments would now be required to make the island capable of sustaining profitable agricultural crops; and what population could be sustained on the island now and following completion of a rehabilitation programme.

Mr. Luard

Approximately four-fifths. A full study would be required to ascertain the island's potential for agricultural crops and habitation. In early 1978 the British Government offered to finance a full resources survey, but the Rabi Council of Leaders has not yet agreed to it.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Banabans live on Ocean Island; how many on Rabi Island, part of the Fiji Group; and, of the latter, how many people have expressed a desire to return to Ocean Island when the British Phosphate Commission withdraws from local mining operations.

Mr. Luard

In 1978 there were 48 Banabans, including dependants, employed by the British Phosphate Commission on Banaba. In addition, the Banabans maintain a small rotating presence on the island. The Banaban community of Rabi numbers about 2,500. The Government are not aware of how many wish to return to Banaba.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, of the present labour force employed by the British Phosphate Commission on Ocean Island, how many are expected to remain on the island following the cessation of phosphate mining this year.

Mr. Luard

The British Phosphate Commission is providing for the repatriation of all those of the present labour force who wish to leave. They expect this to comprise the greater proportion of the labour force.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he estimates that the terrain is such that an airstrip could be built on Ocean Island; and whether harbour facilities are feasible due to water depths.

Mr. Luard

A technical appraisal would be needed to determine the feasibility of an airstrip. The possibility could be included in the proposed resources survey of Banaba. Mooring, but no harbour facilities exist.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the cost to restore the nitrogen and potassium deficiency in the areas which have been mined on Ocean Island; and what quantity of fresh water is available to support development.

Mr. Luard

The Government have offered to finance a full resources survey to assess the island's potential for habitation and development after mining ends. This survey could cover the matters mentioned.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he estimates that Ocean Island could be rendered a commercially viable unit following the expenditure of either the capital or income derived from the trust fund.

Mr. Luard

The British Government have offered to finance a resources survey of Banaba, not yet accepted by the Rabi Council of Leaders, to assess its potential. The trust fund was primarily designed to secure the economic future of the Banaban community on Rabi Island, where the large majority will continue to live.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he estimates that it would be more economic to spend compensation funds accepted by the Banabans on Rabi Island or on Ocean Island.

Mr. Luard

The A$10 million ex-gratia offer was primarily designed to secure the economic future of the Banaban community on Rabi, which in 1947 the Banabans voted to make their permanent home. The Government have offered to make available £1 million for Rabi development projects, and to finance a resources survey of Banaba Island.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will compare the income available on a per capita basis to the inhabitants of Nauru Island from the trust fund set up to compensate the islanders for the loss of phosphates with that available under the current settlement with the Banabans.

Mr. Luard

No recent information in respect of the Nauru trust fund is available to the British Government which could be used as a basis for comparison with the Banabans.