HC Deb 30 April 1985 vol 78 cc103-4W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information is available to him regarding the countries which are currently fishing off the Falklands; and what is the value of the fish caught.

Mr. Renton

Vessels entering the Falkland Islands protection zone are observed by Her Majesty's forces in the course of their routine patrolling and it is possible to identify those involved in fishing. Some information is also available to us from other sources, such as commercial enterprises and conservation bodies. It is not possible to put an accurate value on the catch, even if its precise size were known, because of fluctuating demand and price.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the total and employed population, respectively, of the Falkland Islands at the latest available date, distinguishing in each case between permanent and temporary residents and workers.

Mr. Renton

I am consulting the Civil Conmissioner and will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs if he will give the total amount of money spent by Her Majesty's Government on jobs, services and investment in the Falkland Islands over the past year.

Mr. Renton

It is not possible to give a disaggregated figure for expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on jobs, services and investment in the Falkland Islands in the financial year ending 31 March 1985. But it is estimated that a total sum of £6.5 million was spent on rehabilitation and development. In addition, £143 million was spent by the Property Services Agency on defence works services.