HC Deb 18 March 1968 vol 761 cc31-4
55. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the overwhelming majority of people living in the Falkland Islands desire to remain British citizens; and if he will give an assurance that these Islands will not be ceded to Argentina, either without a plebescite being held similar to the one in Gibraltar or against the wishes of the inhabitants.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

I am aware that the great majority of the population of the Falkland Islands wish to retain their British citizenship; I do not know of any plans to take it away from them. In any event Her Majesty's Government will see that there is the fullest consultation with the population.

Sir C. Osborne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that will give great comfort to the people in those islands who last year expressed to an hon. Member opposite and myself their absolute keenness to remain British citizens and their utter opposition to being taken over by the Argentine? Since there have been rumours that the islands will be surrendered to the Argentine, will the hon. Gentleman make clear that this will not be allowed against the wishes of the inhabitants?

Mr. Roberts

We are well aware of the deep feelings of the islanders about their future, and in the discussions which we are conducting with the Argentine we have stated that we shall proceed on the twin principle of consultation and consent.

Mr. Luard

Is it not a fact that it was made perfectly clear in public, in the United Nations and elsewhere, that there could be no question of the transfer of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands without the fullest consultation with the inhabitants, and that there is, therefore, no reason whatever for the widespread concern and excessive propaganda on this subject which has been expressed by some hon. Members?

Mr. Roberts

We have made clear in the United Nations and elsewhere that we shall proceed in the way in which my hon. Friend has indicated. I see no reason why there should be any concern in this matter. We shall, as I have said, proceed on the principle of consultation with the islanders.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we preferred his phrase that this would have to be "with the consent" of the islanders and not "with consultation"? Will he make absolutely clear that there is no question of the transfer of sovereignty to the Argentine unless all the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands approve, which is most unlikely?

Mr. Roberts

We are conducting talks with the Argentine about the long-term future of these islands in accordance with and in the spirit of the United Nations resolution, to which I should think both sides of the House would pay respect. [Interruption.] In any case, this is our policy. This is in accordance with Her Majesty's Government's policy of working within the United Nations and paying full attention to what advice is requested in the United Nations. These talks have proceeded and are proceeding. They cover a wide range of subjects. It is too early to specify what form the consultations will take.

Mr. Maudling

That is not good enough. Will the hon. Gentleman answer clearly the question he has avoided? Do the Government intend to transfer the sovereignty over these people against their wishes to another country?

Mr. Roberts

I have said clearly that we shall proceed on the principle of full consultation and consent. The right hon. Gentleman is well aware that these negotiations are delicate and must be confidential. I have nothing to add to my previous answer.

Mr. Ogden

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that there will be no agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Argentina before this House has been made fully aware of the proposals and has had the right to comment upon them?

Mr. Roberts

I can give that assurance. Any heads of agreement, any memorandum, arrived at as a result of the negotiations, will of course be published and will be open to discussion in this House and in the Falkland Islands as well.

Mr. Maudling

In reply to my supplementary question, the hon. Gentleman used the word "consent". Will he make it clear that he means the consent of the people themselves?

Mr. Roberts

I stick by the phrase, "consultation and consent". We are endeavouring to solve this problem in a friendly way and that is the way we shall proceed.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We must move on.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the un satisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.