HL Deb 15 July 2002 vol 637 cc125-6WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in keeping with their commitment to parliamentary democracy in Overseas Territories, they will support Montserrat's membership of CAR ICOM and the Organisation of East Caribbean States and ensure that it has the necessary entrustments to participate in the freedom of movement and CARICOM single market and economy (CSME) programmes of the region. [HL5099]

The Parliamentry Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)

Her Majesty's Government encourage Montserrat to play a full role in regional affairs, including through its membership of CARICOM and the OECS. As with all British Overseas Territories, the Government of Montserrat require prior HMG approval, in the form of an entrustment, before undertaking international commitments. In response to requests from the Government of Montserrat HMG have already issued several entrustments relating to the territory's involvement in the CARICOM single market and economy.