It is true that the maintenance of law and order has deteriorated since I made my statement to the House some days ago. That is why we took the decision to send in a company of Royal Marines. However, it would be wrong to give the impression that there has been a deterioration in the maintenance of law and order within the past 48 hours.

The right hon. Gentleman asked about the respective attitudes of the French and British Governments. I have made a number of statements jointly with my French opposite number, Mr. Dijoud, which are on the record, saying that the French Government, like the British Government, support the constitution which we hammered out together last September and support the legally elected Government of the New Hebrides and the integrity of the New Hebrides.

I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will recognise his responsibility in this case, bearing in mind that some of his hon. Friends appeared to be failing to do so in connection with the earlier private notice question. The right hon. Gentleman himself has a role to help to secure a satisfactory and peaceful solution. It does not help to inflame the situation by exaggerating any problems that there may be.

A state of emergency requires a joint decision of the resident commissioners. As I say, at the moment Father Lini has withdrawn his request.