§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions were given to his Department's Press Office concerning the availability of berths for journalists aboard the ship conveying the Minister of State on his visit to the Falkland Islands; and how many journalists were refused berths on the instructions of the Minister of State.
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§ Mr. WhitlockThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office News Department asked the Ministry of Defence how many berths could be made available for journalists in H.M.S. "Endurance". After consulting the captain of the vessel the Ministry of Defence replied that a maximum of three could be accepted. As soon as it was confirmed that more than three newspapers wished to send correspondents in H.M.S. "Endurance", the Ministry of Defence were asked whether more places could be provided, and a further two were made available. No journalists were refused berths on the instructions of the Minister of State.