Port Stanley (Hansard, 23 July 1984)

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many entrepreneurs have now expressed a wish to Her Majesty's Government to set up ventures in Port Stanley.

§ Mr. Whitney
Since my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development answered a similar question on this subject on 23 January 1984, I understand that some further dozen inquiries have been received by the Falkland Islands Government and their office in London from persons or organisations contemplating business activities in the Falklands. These often relate to projects not confined to Stanley itself. Neither the Falkland Islands Government nor their London office maintain records of every business inquiry.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the Falklands Islands Government monitor problems of pollution from sewage and fuel spillage in Stanley harbour; and what have been the results of any monitoring since the end of January in the current year.

§ Mr. Whitney
The Falkland Islands Government have arranged for samples of water from three different places in Stanley harbour to be tested locally every month. In addition, at six monthly intervals samples are sent to the Government chemist for more detailed analysis. Results show that there is no cause for concern.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it was with his permission that Alison Bleaney gave evidence to the investigation into the fire at Port Stanley hospital; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Whitney
No such permission was required.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why bulldozers cleared the remains of the Falklands hospital within 24 hours of the fire.

§ Mr. Whitney
They did not. After police took photographs of the site on the day after the fire, a bulldozer removed three chimney stacks and a small section of timber wall which the Falkland Islands Public Works Department considered dangerous. In the process part of the floor of the old wing was also bulldozed; but this was nowhere near the seat of the fire.