§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether references by Sir Rex Hunt to Members of Parliament visiting the Falkland Islands, in the radio programme, "International Assignment," broadcast on 2 April, were made with his authority; and whether references by Sir Rex Hunt to a surfeit of visitors represents the views of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. OnslowThe Civil Commissioner does not require authority to talk to representatives of the media. Visitors to the islands are welcome, but it is desirable that they should as far as possible be phased so as not to divert the Civil Commissioner and his staff from other high priority tasks.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards representatives of the Argentine press accompanying bereaved relatives to the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. OnslowAt this stage I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 31 March.—[Vol. 40, c.209].
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it was with his authority that Sir Rex Hunt, on 5 April 1982, assented to the press question asking if Britain was in the Falkland Islands for good.
§ Mr. OnslowThe Civil Commissioner does not require authority for press interviews.