§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what advice has been sought from the various sports governing bodies in the United Kingdom on sporting relations with Argentina following the Argentine invasion and continuing occupation of the Fakland Islands;
(2) whether, in view of the Argentine invasion and continuing occupation of the Falkland Islands, in violation of United Nations resolution 502, he will consider the use of sporting sanctions in addition to the other measures already taken by the Government, and, accordingly, will seek early meetings with the appropriate sports governing bodies in the United Kingdom;
(3) what advice he has to offer the various sports governing bodies in the United Kingdom on sporting relations with Argentina following the Argentine invasion and continuing occupation of the Falkland Islands.
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§ Mr. MacfarlaneThere are several international sporting events and competitions scheduled to take place over the next few months in which British and Argentine teams will participate with other countries.
At the moment, the Government see no objection to British teams participating in such events. I urge British sports governing bodies not to compete bilaterally against Argentine teams, whether her or in Argentina, and to refrain from arranging further fixtures. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising United Kingdom nationals—sporting or otherwise—against visiting Argentina at this time.
Our position is kept under constant review in the light of changing circumstances. I can say no more at this stage, particularly on the possibility of seeking a wider sporting boycott of Argentina. I have written to the Sports Council chairman explaining the Government's position at this stage and shall be advising the governing bodies accordingly.