asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in the granting of entrustments for Montserrat to allow it to continue its full participation in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and the CARICOM single market and economy. [HL693]

I discussed Montserrat’s participation in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) CARICOM single market and economy (CSME) with the Chief Minister of Montserrat when we met in London last month. A cost benefit analysis, presented in Montserrat on 2 December, is being sent to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials. This analysis was requested by the FCO to enable us to determine that all the implications of Montserrat's application to join the CSME have been considered thoroughly. The Government of Montserrat also need to demonstrate to the United Kingdom that they have in place all the necessary laws to enable them to give effect to the obligations that will arise out of membership of the CSME. This information must be received before I can decide whether to grant an entrustment, given the Government's responsibilities for international obligations and to protect ourselves from potential contingent liabilities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to support constitutional changes to strengthen the capacity of the Government of Montserrat, in order that elected members may have similar powers of scrutiny to those enjoyed by their counterparts in other overseas territories. [HL694]

A constitutional review process is under way in the overseas territories, including in Montserrat. The aim is to ensure that the constitutional relationship reflects the needs of both the overseas territories and the United Kingdom. The Government are committed to considering carefully proposals from overseas territory Governments for constitutional modernisation. The draft constitutions resulting from the review process are not identical, as each territory is unique and needs a constitutional framework to suit its own circumstances.