§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the repeated declarations of representative bodies in the Falkland Islands that the people there wish to remain British, he will reaffirm that in any talks with the Argentine Government the subject of sovereignty will not be discussed and that the wishes of the islanders in this regard will at all times be respected.
§ Mr. EnnalsI confirm that the Falkland islanders have been, and will continue to be, consulted about any talks between the British and Argentine Governments concerning the Falkland Islands; there will be no change in the sovereignty of the islands without their consent.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to him on behalf of the Falkland Islands regarding a proposal to grant a monopoly of the supply of petroleum products for that territory to the Argentine state oil company, WPFC; and if he will take action to prevent this.
§ Mr. EnnalsThere have been discussions between the British and Argentine Governments concerning a draft agreement under which the Argentine State Oil Company (YPF) would supply the Falkland Islands with certain petroleum products.
The Falkland Island Executive and Legislative Councils were fully consulted about this proposal and have endorsed it. I therefore hope that the agreement may be signed shortly.