§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give as detailed a breakdown as possible of the total of 187 Argentine nationals at present at sites in the British Antarctic territory given in his reply of 16 June to the hon. Member for Bedford, including details of functions of those involved, the purpose for which they are there and whether any military personnel are among them; and what controls Her Majesty's Government exercise over their access to the territory and their activity there.
§ Mr. OnslowThe latest breakdown of Argentine nationals at sites in British Antarctic territory is 132 military plus 55 civilians. I shall write to my hon. Friend with full details of names and function.
The Antarctic Treaty is the only instrument of control in Antarctica. Under the Antarctic Treaty it is required that all States occupying scientific stations in Antarctica, and conducting scientific investigations there, should on an "Exchange of Information" basis advise other States of their investigations and scientific data and give information as to their proposed programmes for the coming year, plus full details as to personnel employed on the station. This has so far been adhered to by all States with scientific stations in Antarctica.