§ 6. Captain Ryderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many bases we now have in the Falkland Island Dependencies permanently manned; and what plans the Government have for the further exploration, survey and development of this territory during the next open season.
Mr. DugdaleThere are at present four permanently manned British posts in the Dependencies, in addition to South Georgia, which is permanently inhabited and administered territory. Plans for the coming season will involve an increased scale of activity in these territories, but I cannot give details at this stage.
§ Captain RyderCan the Minister say what administrative organisation exists in these Dependencies, and is he satisfied that it is adequate to maintain British rule in that area?
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsHow many stations are manned by the Chileans and Argentinos who are trespassers there?
Mr. DugdaleThat question had better be asked of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary or the Chilean Government.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman does not know who is in British Colonial Territories for which he is responsible?
§ Captain RyderHow does the Minister of State reconcile his remark that he is satisfied with the administration there with his comment that he does not know how many foreigners are in the territory?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question asks not about the number of foreigners but about the number of bases we have in the Dependencies.
§ Captain RyderMay I say, Mr. Speaker, that my Question asks also about what developments are taking place?