HL Deb 02 July 1986 vol 477 c1021WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider the four islands of the Kurile Chain (Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai) to be territories to which Japan has a legitimate claim, or whether they consider them to form part of the Soviet Union.

Baroness Young

We are aware of the Japanese claim to the Islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai. This is a complex legal and political issue which is a matter for resolution between the governments of Japan and the Soviet Union.