§ 3. Wing Commander Bullusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the dispute of this country with Chile and the Argentine over British rights in the Antarctic.
§ 26. Sir C. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of recent events in the Argentine, he will now make a further statement about the present position in the Falkland Island Dependencies.
§ 2. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Argentine and Chile are still in unauthorised occupation of bases in the Falkland Island Dependencies; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)The position as regards the Falkland Islands Dependencies was fully explained by my right hon. Friend in his statement on 6th May. The only development since then is that both the Argentine and Chilean Governments have informed the International Court of Justice that they are unwilling to accept the jurisdiction of the Court in regard to their claims to our Antarctic territories.
This step was taken before the change of regime in Argentina, but there is unfortunately yet no sign that the present Argentine Government intend to adopt a different attitude. In a statement at the United Nations General Assembly on 3rd October, the Argentine delegate repeated in general terms the Argentine Government's claims in the Antarctic.
§ Later—
§ Sir C. TaylorOn a point of order. May I have an answer to Question No. 26, or if not, as I suspect, would it not be more appropriate if Ministers gave notice to hon. Members concerned when they are grouping Questions and Answers?
§ Mr. SpeakerWith regard to the first part. I looked for the hon. Member when 1452 the Question was asked. I am afraid it is too late to go back on that now. I have no doubt that the Ministers have heard the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ Sir C. TaylorMay I give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment?