HC Deb 24 July 1985 vol 83 cc1027-9
6. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the prospects for Anglo-Argentine relations in the light of Her Majesty's Government's decision to re-open trade with Argentina.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

We have repeatedly made it plain that we seek more normal relations with Argentina, while continuing to fulfil our commitments to the Falkland Islanders. By lifting restrictions on imports from Argentina we have taken a practical step of benefit to both sides, as we have done on a number of occasions since 1982. But the restoration of more normal relations requires as well a constructive approach from Argentina, which it has so far declined to adopt.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

While upholding British sovereignty over the Falklands, does my right hon. Friend's reply mean that Her Majesty's Government are always ready to welcome Argentine co-operation in the defence and development of the region? Meanwhile, will the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stop pussyfooting and procrastinating about fisheries protection through a mistaken fear of certain powers?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

There is no question of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office pussyfooting or procrastinating about the prospect of effective control over fisheries in the Falkland Islands region. My hon. Friend must understand that we want to achieve an effective fisheries regime, which is much more likely to be effective if we can achieve it on a multilateral basis. That is why we are working actively, under my supervision, to make progress in that direction.

Mr. Dalyell

What advice did the right hon. and learned Gentleman get in Brasilia?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

We had a useful and constructive exchange of views on a large number of matters. —[Laughter.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. If all questions were as brief as that, we should get on very rapidly.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Will my right hon. and learned Friend assure the House that in future dealings with Argentina he will in no way be dismayed by its very disappointing reply to his imaginative gesture in lifting trade restrictions? Will he explain that the renewal of diplomatic relations is more in Argentina's interests than it is in ours?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

From as long ago as September 1982, when I first proposed and negotiated the withdrawal of financial restrictions between the two countries—an agreement which has yet to be fully implemented by Argentina—I have been exercising a patient pursuit of good reason and sense from the Government of that country.

Mr. Tom Clarke

Does the Foreign Secretary accept that the President of Argentina had a very distinguished record in opposing the previous regime? Will he also accept that initiatives and good will on both sides could lead to a lasting agreement on all outstanding issues that would be the envy of diplomats throughout the world?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I certainly recognise the position adopted by the President of Argentina and the part that he has played in restoring democratic government to that country. That is why I am disappointed by the reluctance of his Government to respond even to the gesture we made a couple of weeks ago. We would welcome any signs of willingness to move step by step in the direction of more constructive relations.

Mr. Robert Banks

In relation to what my right hon. and learned Friend has said, can he say whether he has any objection to the landing of civilian aircraft from Argentina at the new airport at Port Stanley?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The management of that airport is a matter upon which one would need to consider each proposal as it was put.

Mr. Hardy

May I return to the question of fisheries? Is the Foreign Secretary aware that there is not a great deal of time before irreparable harm will be inflicted upon the fishery resources of the Falkland waters? What evidence can he give the House that the Foreign Office has taken any helpful action, and when shall we see the urgent initiatives that are necessary?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I appreciate the seriousness with which hon. Members on all sides of the House are looking for a solution to the matter of fisheries raised by the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Hardy) and by my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Sir J. Biggs-Davison). We need to reach a conclusion that will be effective, durable and respected. We are much more likely to achieve that on a multilateral basis, and that is why we are working towards that end. If we wish to preserve the fish about which the hon. Member is concerned, we must secure ageement on as wide an international basis as possible.

Mr. Foulkes

I hope that it is in order for me to congratulate the Foreign Secretary on this small step forward, even with the unfortunate caveat on sovereignty. Is the Foreign Secretary aware of the oil exploration already under way by Firstland? He is aware of the chaos over fishing. Will he now consider some agreement with Argentina on the development of oil resources for our mutual benefit? Will he confirm that Argentina is involved in the multilateral discussions on fisheries, and that we can expect an agreement soon, before all the fish have gone from the South Atlantic?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I hope that the action upon which the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) was kind enough to congratulate me indicates our disposition to find any way we can to improve our co-operative relationship with the Government of Argentina. That is what we are seeking to do in relation to fish, and we will look at any proposals in relation to anything else. Many people in Argentina understand that action of a multilateral kind to manage and conserve fish in the South Atlantic would be in everybody's interests.

Mr. Meadowcroft

I welcome the reopening of trade with Argentina. How far does the Secretary of State believe it is significant to the stability of the democratic, civilian regime in Argentina to have a discussion of sovereignty on the agenda? If he does believe that it is important, what is he doing about it?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

A discussion about sovereignty cannot be on the agenda. For that reason, we have been seeking to open up prospects of discussion on the wide range of topics that I have identified.