Argentina (Hansard, 5 May 1982)

§ 22. Mr. Dykes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the workings of the European Economic Community ban on Argentine imports to all member States.

§ Mr. Onslow
Yes, Sir. The solidarity that our Community partners showed so quickly and effectively has been an essential element in the international pressure on Argentina to withdraw from the Falkland Islands. The ban, which affects about a quarter of Argentina's exports, will have a serious impact on Argentina's economy in the absence of an early political settlement.

§ Mr. Dykes
Is my hon. Friend entirely satisfied that the ban is working fully and effectively in all respects? With 12 days to go before the renewal date, does he anticipate that, unfortunately, it will have to be renewed?

§ Mr. Onslow
We have no reason to suppose that the ban is not working effectively, although obviously its full effects will be felt only with time. If the situation requires, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary w ill ask his colleagues in the Community to renew the ban when he sees them on 8 and 9 May.

§ Mr. Skinner
Will the Minister confirm that, notwithstanding the initial statement from the Common Market countries, it will be necessary—quite apart from the question of a renewal date—for many of the Common Market countries to pass the appropriate legislation to enforce the ban, as reported in the communiqué? Is it not a fact that some of the Common Market countries are very hesitant about enforcing the ban by such legislation?

§ Mr. Onslow
If we think it necessary to ask the Community countries to take action to implement the ban fully, I hope that they will not hesitate to pass the necessary legislation.

§ Mr. Marlow
Since the battles that we are fighting in the South Atlantic are being fought on behalf of all our Community partners, and since they accept that, wall my hon. Friend ask them whether they are prepared to make a substantial contribution from the Community budget towards fighting everybody's battles? I am sure that they would be only too happy to comply.

§ Mr. Onslow
I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will note my hon. Friend's views.