HC Deb 02 December 1968 vol 774 cc387-8W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities have been given in the Falkland Islands to the European Space Research Organisation; for what purposes; and on what terms.

Mr. Mulley

Under an Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Space Research Organisation, which entered into force on the 24th of November, 1967, Her Majesty's Government undertook to construct and operate on behalf of the European Space Research Organisation a satellite telemetry station at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. This, the only European Space Research Organisation station in the Southern Hemisphere, forms part of the scientific satellite telemetry and tracking network of the Organisation, of which the United Kingdom is a member. The costs of constructing and operating the station, which is now in service, are repayable to Her Majesty's Government by the European Space Research Organisation. The Agreement expires in 1972, but provision exists for its renewal.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have lately been made in the composition of the Executive Council in the Falkland Islands; and why.

Mr. Foley

The three members of the Legislative Council who are not members of the Executive Council were co-opted as extraordinary members of the Executive Council for the duration of my right hon. and noble Friend's visit in order that they could take part in the confidential discussions that he had with the Executive Council.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a complete geological survey has been made of the Falkland Islands and Dependencies and continental shelf areas; and with what result.

Mr. Foley

A complete survey of this area has not been made but a considerable amount of geological information has been obtained over a number of years.