§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Chilean Government concerning the continuation of flights to the Falklands by Lan Chile after 31 March. [73247]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThis is a commercial matter for discussion between Lan Chile and the Falkland Islands Development Corporation. We have, however, expressed our regret to the Chilean Government over their decision452W to ask Lan Chile to suspend flights to the Falklands and said we do not believe this to be justified. We welcome assurances by Lan Chile that they will honour their contract with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation, which expires on 31 March. We hope that they will continue to fly to the Falklands thereafter.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Chile concerning its formal recognition of the Argentine claim to the Falklands. [73248]
453W
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are aware of Chilean statements of support for the Argentine position on the Falklands in recent years. We have made clear to the Chilean Government that we have no doubt abut British sovereignty over the Falklands and have called on them to recognise the right of the Falkland Islanders to determine their own future.