§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the decision to delay the introduction of a more democratic constitution in the Falkland Islands until some time after the pending general election, he will announce before that election is held a timetable for early constitutional change which makes plain that the islands are entitled to full democratic control of their own affairs as other comparable communities in the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. RowlandsI would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply of 28th April. The changes will be implemented as soon as possible.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much British taxpayers' 300W money has been or will be committed to the provision of facilities in the Falkland Islands for the Argentine State Oil Company (YPF) which has been given a monopoly in the supply of petroleum products to the islanders; and under what Vote this expenditure is carried.
§ Mr. RowlandsHer Majesty's Government have committed no expenditure for this purpose. If any future recommendation is made, we shall have to consider whether such expenditure is justified in the context of the development of the Falkland Islands and the availability of aid funds as a whole.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate of the minimum cost of extending the permanent airfield at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands to permit an alternative means of external travel if this were authorised in the near future.
§ Mr. RowlandsHer Majesty's Government have received no official estimate so far. If an extension of the present airfield, now nearly completed, could be justified on economic grounds, we would be prepared to examine this in the light of the overall availability of aid funds.