asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest developments in Anguilla.

Her Majesty's Commissioner has made good progress in restoring and maintaining peace and good order on the island, and in promoting development.

Can the Minister say how many British policemen are still there, why they are still there and when they will leave?

Secondly, can he reiterate the assurance given by his right hon. Friend that the Anguillans will not be administered under a régime which they do not like?

On the first matter, the company of the Parachute Regiment has left. A small contingent of the Metropolitan Police remains to maintain law and order.

The future of Anguilla is a matter for the Commission when it is appointed. What is indicative of a good spirit is that all are anxious to collaborate in seeing that it does work, and I am quite sure, without anticipating its results, we will arrive at a satisfactory settlement.

This matter has hung fire for a very long time. The Commission has not even started work.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any indication about what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to end the formal association of Anguilla with St. Kitts? That is the issue.

If that is the issue in the hon. Gentleman's mind, it is not the issue in mine. We are discussing with the State Government the composition of the Commission. When we have finished our discussions with the State Government, we will consult other Governments in the Caribbean. It is at this stage that the Commission will get under way, will be able to take advice from anyone in Anguilla and elsewhere, and will formulate its conclusions, which will then be open for discussion.