§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from British companies wishing to tender for oil exploration contracts in Argentina about the implications for their chances of obtaining such contracts of the current state of relations between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. EggarNone. In general we welcome efforts by British companies to expand their activities in Argentina. Our initiative in lifting restrictions of imports from Argentina in July, to which the Argentine Government have still not responded constructively, was aimed at improving commercial relations.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made during the past six months on establishing normal diplomatic relations with the Argentine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWe have taken a number of initiatives to begin the process of restoring confidence and rebuilding our bilateral relations. The most recent step was the lifting of our ban on Argentine imports into the United Kingdom in July. We still hope that the Argentine Government will see the advantages of responding constructively.