§ Mr. David Youngasked the Lord Privy Seal if, in view of the concern over implications of the British Nationality Bill, he will guarantee the right of the Falkland Islanders to independent political sovereignty unless removed by an independent referendum of the Islanders themselves and provide such economic backing as is necessary to make such political decision a reality.
§ Mr. RidleyThe position of Falkland Islanders under the proposed Nationality Bill will be the same as for citizens of other dependent territories. It must be doubtful whether, with a population of only 1800, the Falklands could form a viable sovereign and independent entity. As Ministers have repeated often, it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that, in considering the future of the Falkland Islands, the wishes of the Islanders are paramount.