§ 59. Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the cost to public funds of the publicity through the British Embassy in Buenos Aires and by other methods to explain the Government's policy regarding the future of the Falkland Islands.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)To explain Her Majesty's Government's policy about the future of the Falkland Islands is part of the normal duties of certain departments in the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office and of Her Majesty's Embassy, Buenos Aires. It is not possible to isolate the cost to public funds of this aspect of their work.
§ Mr. Clark HutchisonIn that publicity, will our Embassy in Buenos Aires and Her Majesty's Government make it plain to the people of the Argentine that the Falkland Islands are British and wish to remain British? There seems to be some misunderstanding on the part of the people of the Argentine.
§ Mr. RobertsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs made a full statement on the matter on 27th March and subsequently in answer to Questions on 1st April. I am told that the Argentine Press carried a full and factual report of both statements, and our position is wholly understood in that country.
§ Mr. BraineHas the Government's policy in the matter yet been fully explained to the people of the Falkland Islands?
§ Mr. RobertsThe Governor of the Falkland Islands is kept closely informed of developments in the matter, and he is authorised to inform the Executive Council of the islands of developments, in confidence.