HC Deb 12 June 1996 vol 279 cc198-9W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Argentine Government over the exploration of hydrocarbons around the Falklands Islands. [30874]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

At a meeting on 30 January 1996 my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Argentine Foreign Minister noted the success of the joint declaration of September 1995 which established a joint commission to promote hydrocarbons development in the south-west Atlantic. Official level talks have made good progress.