§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the powers and responsibilities of the military commissioner for the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. BlakerThe military commissioner's powers are set out in the Falkland Islands and Dependencies (Interim Administration) Order 1982—S.I. 824/1982 dated 18 June 1982.
It is the task of the military commissioner to protect the Falkland Islands and their dependencies against external aggression. This includes the safety of shipping around the islands. Subject to his operational and other military commitments, he also has the task of providing assistance to the civil authorities in the rehabilitation of the civil community and the maintenance of essential public services. He attends the Falkland Islands Executive and Legislative Council meetings to represent the military view. There are arrangements to ensure close consultation between the military and civil commissioners.