asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to ensure that independence is not granted to Dominica until a General Election has been held there and if he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government are considering a report by a senior official who recently visited Dominica. If they are satisfied on the basis of that report that a request to terminate Dominica's status of association with the United Kingdom has the support of the majority of the population, they will so recommend to Parliament. The timing of a General Election is a matter for the Government of Dominica.