§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has concerning the number of fishing vessels operating within the Falkland Islands protection zone; what are their countries of origin; and if there has been an increase in fishing operations within the zone during the past 12 months.
§ Mr. WhitneyI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, to my noble Friend the Baroness Vickers in another place on 12 December 1983 at column 90–91. I am seeking the most up-to-date information available from the authorities in the Falkland Islands, and will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Butterfillasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Falkland Islands Government have yet announced the composition of their commission of inquiry into the fire at the King Edward memorial hospital in Port Stanley; and when its proceedings will start.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe civil commissioner announced on 3 May that the commission of inquiry will be composed of the following members: Mr. David Calcutt, QC, chairman; Mr. Eric Goss; Mrs. Jan Cheek; and a fourth member yet to be proposed by the military commissioner. It is planned that the commission will open its proceedings in Port Stanley on 24 May.
243WThe secretary to the commission will be Mr. Geoffrey Podger. Mr. John Laws, who will act as counsel to the commission, will be instructed by Mr. Graham Sills of Treasury Solicitors.