HC Deb 06 July 1982 vol 27 cc51-2W
Mr. Foot

asked the Prime Minister whether she will now make a statement, further to her reply to the righ hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond), on 8 April, Official Report, c. 416, on the proposed review of matters leading up to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands.

The Prime Minister

Following consultations with the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition and leaders of other Opposition parties, the Government have decided to appoint a Committee of Privy Councillors with the following terms of referenceTo review the way in which the responsibilities of Government in relation to the Falkland Islands and their dependencies were discharged in the period leading up to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982, taking account of all such factors in previous years as are relevant; and to report.

I am glad to be able to say that the Right Hon. the Lord Franks, OM, GCMG, KCB, CBE, has agreed to be the chairman of the committee. I shall inform the House of the names of the other members as soon as possible, but I can say that they will include Privy Councillor representatives of the two main political parties, chosen in consultation with the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Prime Minister if she will order an inquiry into the conduct of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in recent years and the sufficiency of the advice and information supplied to Ministers.

The Prime Minister

[pursuant to her reply, 8 April 1982, c. 416]: I am now able to announce that, in addition to the right hon. the Lord Franks, OM, GCMG, KCB, CBE, who will chair the committee of Privy Councillors which is to conduct the Falkland Islands Review, the members of the committee will be:—

  • The right hon. the Viscount Watkinson, CH;
  • The right hon. the Lord Barber, TD;
  • The right hon. the Lord Lever of Manchester:
  • The right hon. Merlyn Rees, MP;
  • Sir Patrick Nairne, GCB, MC.

Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve that Sir Patrick Nairne be sworn a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council.

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