Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there have been any incursions by the Argentines into the Falkland Islands exclusion zone in the last three months; what action has been taken by the United Kingdom in reaction to such incursions; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. StanleyAt the beginning of August three Argentine fishing vessels were challenged in six seperate incidents by the Royal Navy within the Falkland Islands protection zone and an Argentine naval air force Electra patrol aircraft was intercepted by two RAF Phantoms. All complied with our instructions to leave the zone and did so without incident.
Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an estimate of the number of foreign trawlers currently operating in the waters of the Falkland Islands and their dependencies; whether such trawlers are fishing under the protection of the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. StanleyThere are no foreign vessels currently fishing in the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands and their dependencies. There are, however, about 60 non-Argentine vessels of various nationalities fishing in the Falkland Islands protection zone outside territorial waters. These vessels are not under Royal Navy protection but the zone is kept under continuous surveillance by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force to prevent incursions by Argentine vessels.