HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 c136W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assure this House that in his discussions with the Argentine Government on the future of the Falkland Islands the possibility of alternately nominated United Kingdom and Argentine governors is not a matter for negotiation.

Mr. Rowlands

Yes.

Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking, and upon the basis of what criteria, to define the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Rowlands

The territorial waters of the Falkland Islands are currently set at three miles, measured from base lines.

As I have said in the House, following the United Kingdom's decision to extend her fishery limits to 200 miles on 1st January 1977, consideration is being given in consultation with governors of dependent territories to extending dependent territories' fishery limits also.

Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the present discussions with the Argentine Government include an agreed definition of the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands; and what authority has been given to the United Kingdom representatives to negotiate on this matter.

Mr. Rowlands

The extent of the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands has not yet been discussed with the Argentine Government in the present negotiations.

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