§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether is was with his authority that major-general David Thorne, Military Commissioner in the Falkland Islands, told a press conference on 23 October the Port Stanley airport was inadequate for full military requirements and that a new one was needed.
§ Mr. BlakerGeneral Thorne has the normal authority to discuss matters relevant to his command with members of the press. A permanent, improved airfield will need to be established in due course but the present runway meets our current military requirements.