§ 1. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has made to the Government of Argentina objecting to the information demanded in advance of transit passengers to the Falkland Islands at Buenos Aires; and whether citizens in transit face similar difficulties anywhere else in the world.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)I take it that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the requirement that passengers booking flights to the Falkland Islands should provide details of their passports. This requirement is not restricted to passengers travelling to the islands; it also applies to foreign passengers on internal flights within Argentina. Such requirements for transit passengers are not unique.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the Minister aware that the Falkland Islands Company Ltd. has told me that it cannot make any bookings on LADE in less than six weeks? Is the Minister further aware that the details that he has outlined must be sent to the Falkland Islands six weeks in advance? Surely that is a most unusual procedure, particularly as it has operated only for a year.
§ Mr. RidleyThe documentation requirement is to ensure that travellers to the Falkland Islands have the right documents for entry. It ensures that they are not turned back. There is no sinister motive. I understand that it is perfectly possible to book seats on flights to Port Stanley at short notice. Sometimes the flights are full, but it is usually possible to obtain a seat. With a few weeks' notice, it is always possible to book a seat.
§ Mr. William SheltonSince it looks as if there will not be any speedy solution to the dispute between the Falkland Islands and Argentina, does my hon. Friend have any plans to help those on the Falkland Islands more directly?
§ Mr. RidleyAs my hon. Friend knows, last month we held a round of talks with the Argentinians in New York. It was agreed to meet again to discuss the matter further. In the meanwhile, we are continuing to help the islands in every possible way through aid and other measures. However, the dispute is certainly inhibiting economic development.