§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's visit to the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. Onslow:I visited the Falkland Islands from 2 to 8 October. I had discussions with the civil and military commissioners, held talks with the island councillors and met a wide cross-section of Falkland islanders, both in the camp and Port Stanley. My visit gave me the opportunity to see the progress which has been made with reconstruction and rehabilitation, with payments under the compensation scheme—more than £0.5 million has now been paid out in response to claims—and with the clearing and marking of minefields. The visit also enabled me to play a part in the process of consultation with the islanders on their views on the Shackleton report.