asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes for closer co-operation with the French Metropolitan Government in the development of the New Hebrides.

We continue to work in close and friendly co-operation with the French Government about the development of the New Hebrides. The usual exchanges through diplomatic channels were supplemented in October by a meeting of officials in Paris.I am hoping soon to have an opportunity of discussing New Hebrides affairs with M. Messmer, the French Minister of Overseas Departments and Territories.