HL Deb 23 June 1982 vol 431 cc1033-4

2.42 p.m.

The Earl of Dudley

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 whether they have any plans to consult other Commonwealth Governments with a view to securing their participation in the defence of the Falkland Islands and in discussions with the islanders about their future.

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, we have much appreciated the strong support given by the overwhelming majority of Commonwealth Governments and the Secretary-General throughout the Falklands crisis. Mr. Ramphal has offered help in any way possible, and we remain in close touch with him. However the important responsibility for defence and for the restoration of normal conditions must be primarily our own, though we shall naturally be very willing to consider any further offers of support from our Commonwealth partners.

The Earl of Dudley

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that informative reply. I should like further to ask him whether, in the absence of United States' participation, Her Majesty's Government would regard as acceptable involvement by Commonwealth countries in the defence and future administration of the Falkland Islands, perhaps by some form of Commonwealth trusteeship'?

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, we are certainly willing for other friendly Governments to be associated in some way with the security arrangements for the Falkland Islands. If my noble friend has some particular arrangement in mind, we shall of course be ready to give it due consideration. However, we shall naturally need to consult the wishes of the Falkland islanders for their own future.