§ Q16. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the latest developments over the Falkland Islands.
§ The Prime MinisterWe are continuing serious and intensive efforts to arrive at a peaceful solution through the negotiations being conducted by the Secretary General of the United Nations. At the same time we are maintaining the exclusion zone around the Falkland Islands, and keeping up the diplomatic and economic, as well as military, pressures on the Argentines. Our objective remains, in accordance with Security Council resolution 502, to end the unlawful Argentine occupation and to create the conditions for genuine negotiations on the future of the islands. It is Argentine intransigence which has so far prevented this.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister who were the privy councillors to whom she extended an invitation to join her to discuss matters connected with the Falkland Islands difficulties; whether the leaders of all of the political parties were included; and if she will give reasons for her choice.
§ The Prime MinisterAt their request, I have held meetings on privy councillor terms with the right hon. Members for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel) and Plymouth Devonport (Dr. Owen); the right hon. Member for Down, South (Mr. Powell); and the right hon. Member for Western Isles (Mr. Stewart). The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Oppostion declined my invitation to join the first of these meetings.