HC Deb 19 January 1999 vol 323 cc431-2W
18. Mr. Borrow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the economic future of the Falkland Islands. [64604]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

Licence revenue from a well managed fishery has enabled the Falkland Islands Government to build up healthy reserves of more than £143 million without receiving any aid from the UK budget since 1992. The islanders are diversifying their agriculture, promoting tourism and the service sector and investing in better infrastructure and public services, while safeguarding their environment. It is too early to say whether there is oil in recoverable quantities in Falklands waters.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have received from President Clinton concerning negotiations over, and the sovereignty of, the Falkland Islands. [65819]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

We have received no proposals from President Clinton concerning negotiations over, or the sovereignty of, the Falkland Islands. The American Government have reiterated that they would like to see two of their close friends overcome their differences, but that it is not appropriate for them to be involved.