asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to seek to pay an official visit to the Seychelles in the near future.

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so at present.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the future political relationship of the Seychelles with the United Kingdom is causing a considerable amount of political dissent in the Seychelles? Would not a Ministerial visit do much to clear the air?

The present constitution of the Seychelles has been in operation for only just over 12 months. It is reasonable to see how it will work out. I am aware of the desire of the people of the Seychelles to have a close association with Britain, which is heartily reciprocated.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the desire of the great majority of the people of Seychelles for closer ties with Britain on a permanent basis? Will my hon. Friend consider ways and means of achieving this?

These considerations are in our minds. It is, perhaps, early days to make further progress in this direction.