HC Deb 03 November 1983 vol 47 cc443-4W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in pursuance of the United Kingdom's responsibility for the defence and foreign affairs of Montserrat, he issued instructions to Montserrat representatives at the meetings of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States on the weekend of 21 to 23 October; and who represented Montserrat at those meetings.

Mr. Raison

No. It was not necessary to issue instructions since under the terms of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States treaty, Montserrat is excluded from deliberating matters relating to, inter alia, defence and external affairs and had already lodged with OECS a declaration of non-participation in any decisions concerning these matters.

Montserrat was represented at the OECS meetings in question by the Chief Minister, the Hon. J. A. Osborne.