HC Deb 03 April 1982 vol 21 cc629-68

11.5 am

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Humphrey Atkins)

Following my statement to the House at 11 o'clock yesterday, I said in answer to supplementary questions from the right hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dr. Owen), the hon. Member for Hartlepool) (Mr. Leadbitter) and my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn and Hatfield (Mr. Murphy) that we had been in touch with the governor of the Falkland Islands half an hour before I made my statement. That was inaccurate. We had in fact been in touch two hours earlier, at 8.30 am our time. No invasion had then taken place, and when I made my statement I had no knowledge of any change in the situation.

I very much regret that I inadvertently misled the House, and I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to set the record straight and to apologise to the House.

    cc629-32
  1. Business of the House 1,418 words, 1 division
    2. cc633-68
  2. Falkland Islands 20,023 words
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