Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 2 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 June 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the proposals outlined in the recent White Paper on Overseas Territories; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the proposals outlined in the recent White Paper on Overseas Territories; and if he will make a statement. [124843] Mr. Battle: Good progress has been made in key areas covered by the White Paper. Preparations for an Overseas Territories Bill granting British citizenship have reached an advanced stage; structured political dialogue has been effected by the establishment of an annual Consultative Council between British and Overseas Territories Ministers; a process of constitutional modernisation has been initiated; a draft environmental charter has been distributed for consultation; capital and corporal punishment have been abolished in most territories, with agreement to do so in the others, and an independent review of the regulation of financial sectors in the Overseas Territories is being conducted by consultants.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 351 c292W; 124843
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: British nationality British overseas territories Legislative drafting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk