§ Q9. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her discussions with President Reagan at Williamsburg on the future of the Falkland Islands.
§ The Prime MinisterThe future of the Falkland Islands was not discussed.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Prime Minister what account has been taken of the need to defend United Kingdom troops against Argentine rearmament with Otomat missiles and Telemine remote control torpedoes in the calculation of the cost of defending the Falklands.
§ The Prime MinisterThe composition of our forces in the south Atlantic and their equipment are kept under regular review, with the object of providing deterrence and defence against any development in the threat which may be posed by the Argentine armed forces. The French148W Government and the French company concerned, have denied allegations that a sale of Otomat missiles to Argentina is being negotiated, and as my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces said on 30 March 1983, the Telemine is still under development.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Prime Minister under what circumstances she would contemplate discussions with an Argentine Government on the future of the Falkland Islands.
§ The Prime MinisterI see no possibility of discussing the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands with Argentina. We have made it clear that we are ready to discuss the improvement of relations, but this is obstructed by Argentina's refusal to make it clear that hostilities have ceased permanently.