THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on August 18 in the years identified: 1970: The House of Representatives approves an order by the minister of legal affairs amending the first schedule of the Poor Prisoners’ Defence Law1961, extending the scope of offences for which legal aid may be granted. Minister Victor Grant moved the Poor Prisoners’ Defence Amendment of First Schedule Resolution 1970 to get approval of the order made on June 2, 1970. As such, an order has to be subject to affirmative resolution of the House.

1971: The prime minister, Hugh Shearer sends a reply to Leader of the Opposition Michael Manley on his request for some government action on the civil strife in Pakistan. Manley urges in a letter to the prime minister that the Government join with other Commonwealth countries and members of the United Nations in finding a solution to the situation in Pakistan.

1975: Stating that the decision to increase the price of gasolene “is not lightly taken” David Coore, acting prime minister and minister of finance, expresses the hope that those opposing the increase will adopt “a rational course”. Coore issues a statement in support of the announcement by Vivian Blake, minister of marketing and commerce, of the increased price. He describes it as “this relatively slight increase of five per cent”.

1983: The Ministry of Finance says a programme of entertainment is being devised for delegates to the Seabed Preparatory Commission for the duration of the current conference. The ministry is responding to a report in The Gleaner to the effect that delegates had complained about a lack of entertainment and that efforts are being made to offer them more hospitality.