HL Deb 02 May 1978 vol 391 cc9-11

2.53 p.m.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how far negotiations with Russia over the establishment of a fishing base in the Falkland Islands have proceeded.

The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are not holding negotiations with the Soviet Government on the establishment of a fishing base in the Falkland Islands, nor have we received any such proposal from the Soviet Government.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, while I thank the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask whether he would not agree with me that sometimes it is impossible to have smoke without fire? Would he confirm that there have not been informal talks between Russia, perhaps, and the Falkland Islands? Would he not agree with me that around the Falkland Islands not only are there fish but there is a vast supply of oil? Would he agree that, should the Soviet Union in future enter negotiations for the purpose of having a fishing port there, they would be gone over with a very fine tooth-comb?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, on the first point, I can only repeat the terms of my substantive Answer. There have been no negotiations. I am not aware of any informal or formal negotiations, and we have not received any such proposal from the Soviet Government. On the second part of the noble Lord's supplementary, I cannot answer for the future, but I can say this: We are now engaged in what I hope are promising negotiations with the Argentine Government as to the general future, economic and otherwise, of the Falkland Islands. It would seem to me to be the height of impropriety, if not of hazard, to introduce any third party at this time into these bilateral negotiations. Therefore, I do not see any likelihood of our negotiating with the Russians about anything appertaining to the South-West Atlantic while we are talking, fruitfully I hope, with the Argentines.

Lord MORRIS

My Lords, are Her Majesty's Government aware that not only are there no proper fishing port facilities in the rich fishing grounds of the whole South Atlantic, but also that the Poles recently advertised for a bulk freezer transport to ship 3,000 tons of fish from South Georgia? Furthermore, would not Her Majesty's Government agree that there is considerable international demand for proper fishing port facilities in the South Atlantic which, if implemented by the United Kingdom, would benefit not only the economy of the Falkland Islands but also that of the United Kingdom?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I would certainly agree. The whole point of our diplomacy is to come to a constructive agreement with the Argentine Government which will be of benefit to that country and to us. We have a longstanding and friendly tradition of cooperation with the Argentine Government which thereby benefits the Falkland Islands. I am hopeful that the present negotiations may in due course arrive at such a result with the effects mentioned in the first part of the noble Lord's supplementary.

Baroness ELLES

My Lords, while welcoming the Minister's statement about having friendly relations with the Argentine, may I ask whether he w II inform the House when an ambassador will be appointed there to deal with this very delicate and difficult diplomatic matter?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, as soon as possible, and as soon as it is mutually agreeable to the Argentine Government and the Government of the United Kingdom.

Lord GISBOROUGH

My Lords, would the noble Lord say whether Russian fishing vessels use the Falkland Islands on a casual basis on any occasions, either for refuelling or for supplies?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I have no information on that point. I do not think so, but I shall look into the point the noble Lord has raised.

Viscount MONTGOMERY of ALA-MEIN

My Lords, would the noble Lord not agree that there is merit in accelerating the talks with Argentina to prevent the other third party countries taking advantage of the rich fishing activities in the area?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, certainly; one is tempted to add—and especially certain third parties.