§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he(a) has made and (b) intends to make following the passing of a Bill in the Argentine Senate threatening fines to fishing boats in Falkland Islands waters; and if he will make a statement. [56483]
§ Mr. Tony LloydMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the Argentine Foreign Minister on 16 October that we were aware that the Argentine Congress was considering a Bill that would purport to regulate fishing activities in Falkland waters. My right hon. Friend made clear our concerns that the adoption of such legislation risks damaging cooperation on South Atlantic issues and the bilateral relationship more generally.
The forthcoming visit of President Menem to the United Kingdom is another opportunity to register our opposition to the Bill.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Falkland Islands Government have the sole right to issue licences for fishing in Falkland Islands territorial waters; and if he will make a statement. [56484]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are in no doubt about the Falkland Islands Government's sole right to issue licences to vessels that wish to fish in Falkland waters and to authorise fishing activities there.