HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 c319W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the Banaban people are citizens of the United Kingdom, and how many citizens of Fiji; and how many enjoy dual citizenship.

Mr. Luard

The exact numbers in each category are not known, but we estimate that approximately 900 are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies only, and that the remainder, approximately 1,400, have dual citizenship, apart from a very few who as second generation Banabans born in Rabi have Fiji citizenship only.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, under the proposed Gilbert Islands constitution the Banaban people will retain their Fijian citizenship.

Mr. Luard

There is nothing in the proposed Kiribati constitution to prevent those Banabans who are Fiji citizens from retaining that citizenship.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to intercept the ship carrying 150 Banaban citizens of Fiji who intend to stage a demonstration on Ocean Island, their ancestral home.

Mr. Luard

None.