HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc1195-6
19. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affarrs whether he will make a statement on the representations which have been received by the United Kingdom Government from the Government of Chile with regard to Deception Island.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

In a memorandum dated 24th March the Chilean Government have again requested the restoration of the hut dismantled by the Falkland Islands authorities on 16th February.

It is the natural wish of Her Majesty's Government that the Chilean Government's action at Deception Island in January should not impair the generally friendly relations between the two countries. They cannot, however, regard the Chilean memorandum as holding out a prospect of a mutually satisfactory solution, and the Chilean Government are being so informed.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether any representations have been received from the Argentine Government on this matter since it was last before the House?

Mr. Lloyd

That is a very different matter from the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Henderson

Cannot the right hon. and learned Gentleman answer it?