HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc29-30
21. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions with the Argentine Government concerning the future of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. M. Stewart

There have been no further discussions since I spoke in the House on 11th and 12th December 1968.—[Vol. 775, c. 424–6, 608–13.]

Mr. Peyton

Would the House be correct in understanding the right hon. Gentleman to mean that this issue has been recently interred and will not be resurrected?

Mr. Stewart

No, Sir. It may be possible to continue these discussions.

Mr. Braine

Having regard to the right hon. Gentleman's reply, is the position now that as the Falkland islanders are firmly resolved to remain British there can be no question of the transfer of sovereignty? Why does this issue remain on the agenda?

Mr. Stewart

That matter has been explained several times. There can be a question of transfer of sovereignty only as part of an arrangement which will give a permanently satisfactory relationship between the islands and Argentina, and if the islanders themselves regarded such an arrangement as satisfactory to their interests. I think that it will be desirable to resume the discussions, but they are bound all the time by that condition.