§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has asked the Chilean Government to state its reasons for recommending to Lan Chile that it ceases flights between Santiago and the Falklands; and what other options for air links in the region his Department has been exploring for the Falklands. [75807]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe Chilean Government have stated publicly that their action with Lan Chile was in response to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's decision to issue an Authority to Proceed in respect of the Spanish extradition request for Senator Pinochet. We have made it clear that we do no believe any such measures are justified. While we hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands, we are considering other options with the Falkland Islands Government, including flights to other countries, improved surface travel, and the possibility of the Falkland Islands Government leasing their own aircraft.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he made to the Chilean Government when the Presidents of Argentina and Chile signed the joint declaration ratifying Chile's support for Argentina's claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands on 15 December. [75805]
§ Mr. Tony LloydNone. Our position on the Falkland Islands has been made clear to the Government of Chile repeatedly in recent years.