HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc240-1W
67. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what survey he has made during the past four years of the economic resources of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. M. Stewart

An economic survey was carried out early last year at the request of the Governor by Mr. Guille-baud, the economist. Copies of his report have been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will invite a representative of the Falkland Islands to be present at any negotiations conducted with the Argentine on the subject of the future of the colony.

Mr. M. Stewart

No. These talks are being held between Her Majesty's Government and the Argentine Government as a consequence of a dispute over sovereignty arising from an Argentine claim. The Governor of the Falkland Islands, and his Executive Council have been fully informed in confidence about the substance of these discussions; I shall continue to keep them informed in future.

Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response has been made by Her Majesty's Government to the representations of the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands that they do not wish to be transferred to Argentine sovereignty.

Mr. M. Stewart

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply earlier today to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) and other hon. Members.