§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Lord Privy Seal if recent events in Belize will affect the proposed independence agreement for that country.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Belize constitutional conference opened in London on 6 April and is continuing. Negotiations on the treaty with Guatemala are due to begin on 20 May. It remains the intention of Her Majesty's Government to bring Belize to early independence.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the state of emergency declared in Belize.
§ Mr. RidleyA state of emergency was declared by the Governor on 2 April on the advice of the Belize Security Committee and after consultation with the Premier. This action has been effective in ensuring the maintenance of law and order, the protection of life and property, and the provision of essential supplies and services to the public. The situation remains calm.