§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Lord Privy Seal what reaction he has had from interested parties to his recent announcement on the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. RidleyThere has been a wide range of reactions in the United Kingdom following my statement to the House on 2 December on the future of the Falkland Islands.—[Vol. 995, c. 196–204.] My visit to the Islands has also given rise to a good deal of comment in Argentina. Those principally concerned, the Falkland Islanders themselves, are still considering the ideas about which I consulted them. They have undertaken to let me have their reactions in due course.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government intend to hold a referendum amongst the population of the Falkland Islands on the proposals recently made by them on the Islands' future.
§ Mr. RidleyIslanders' views on what proposals might be further explored through negotiation will be conveyed through their elected councillors. Any eventual settlement with the Argentine would have to be clearly endorsed by the Islanders, and ultimately by Parliament. The method of seeking endorsement by the Islanders, whether by referendum or general election, would be for decision at the time in the light of advice from the governor.