HC Deb 13 May 1982 vol 23 cc313-4W
25. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect on the public sector borrowing requirement he estimates will result from the operations in the South Atlantic.

32. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect he anticipates that expenditure related to the Falklands task force will have on his Budget estimate of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1982–83.

Mr. Brittan

It is too early to say what the costs of the Falklands operation will be, but they can and will be met in ways consistent with the Government's economic strategy.

45. Sir Philip Goodhart

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to take powers to assist, from the proceeds of Argentinian assets in the United Kingdom which have been frozen, British citizens whose pensions from Argentine firms have been blocked by the imposition of economic sanctions following the invasion of the Falkland Islands, and who are not eligible for supplementary benefit.

Mr. Brittan

I regret the apparent decision of the Argentine authorities to prevent the payment of pensions due to residents of the United Kingdom. Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that the financial restrictions imposed against Argentina following the illegal invasion of the Falkland Islands do not affect the payment of pensions from United Kingdom sources which are due to residents of Argentina.

Indeed, the United Kingdom authorities would allow blocked funds in Argentine ownership in the United Kingdom to be used to pay pensioners resident in this country. However, those blocked funds remain the property of their Argentine owners, and, in present circumstances, it would not be appropriate for the United Kingdom authorities to sequestrate such assets or to oblige their owners to use them for any particular purpose.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the cost of the naval, military and other action over the past month in relation to the Falklands.

Mr. Brittan

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.