§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will give details of the proposed membership of the working groups on sovereignty and economic affairs in the Falkland Islands; and whether the Falkland Islands will be represented.
§ Mr. LuardI have been asked to reply.
646WIt was agreed that the working groups would comprise British and Argentine officials. The Falkland Islands Councils were consulted on the composition and purpose of the working groups, and assured that whatever emerged would be ad referendum to Ministers, when there would be further consultations with the Councils. They are content with this.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what are the terms of reference of the two working groups in sovereignty and economic matters which are to be set up following recent talks with Argentina about the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. LuardI have been asked to reply.
The working groups, whose deliberations will be ad referendum to Ministers, are part of our continuing negotiations with the Argentine Government, and as such are covered by the terms of reference announced in the House on 26th April 1977, and by the joint communiqué issued at the end of the New York talks, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.