TNAG-1117-FCO40-1391-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 41

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at the British embassy in Argentina at the time of the invasion of the Falkland Islands have been appointed to other posts; and if he will list the staff and posts involved.

Mr. Pym: Only two members of the Diplomatic Service who were serving in the British Embassy in Argentina on 2 April 1982 have been appointed to other posts overseas. The Ambassador, Mr. A. J. Williams, is now leader of the United Kingdom delegation to the Madrid CSCE review meeting and Mr. R. M. Jackson, counsellor (commercial), has recently taken up an appointment as counsellor in the British embassy in Stockholm. All the others have returned to duties in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, except for those who remain in the British interests section of the Swiss embassy, Buenos Aires.

Diplomats

Mr. Foulkes asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has a policy regarding the appointment of diplomats to new posts while activities connected with their previous appointment are subject to a Government inquiry.

Mr. Pym: In the case of a Government inquiry with a broad remit, it is my policy to send to new posts those diplomats whose previous appointment has come to an end, for whatever reason, even where activities connected with that previous appointment may fall within the remit of the inquiry. Arrangements will be made to ensure the availability of any individuals required to give evidence to such an inquiry.

Dependent Territories

Mr. Foulkes asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have aşeneral policy in respect of the future status and development of all 13 remaining dependent territories.

Mr. Onslow: Her Majesty's Government's general policy is, where independence is a feasible option, togive help and encoruagement to thse dependent territories which wish

to become independent whilst not forcing independence on those which do not want it. The reasonable development needs of the dependent territories continue to be a first call on our aid programme.

Falkland Islands

Mr. Foulkes asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he sees as the pre- requisite for negotiations to begin with Argentina regarding the future of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Onslow: What is needed is a fundamental change in the Argentine attitude.

Yemen (Ministerial Visit)

Mr. Peter Bottomley asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent visit of the Foreign Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.

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Mr. pym: Dr. al Dali and I had a frank excchange of views on regional and bilateral developments since the visit of his predecessor in October 1980. It was agreed that both sides would now nominate ambassadors.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

Nicaragua

Mr. S. C. Silkin asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning European Economic Community aid to Nicaragua; and what considerations form that policy.

Mr. Onslow: Nicaragua already receives both food aid and project aid from regular European Community programmes. In discussion with our European Community partners it has already been agreed that not all Central American countries should benefit from the special programme for additional aid to the area. In considering who should benefit we have to take account of the low priority which the Government of Nicaragua appear to give to using resources for social and economic development, as well as their curbs on civil rights, the treatment of minorities, and the continuing military build- up in Nicaragua.

Iranian Nationals

Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of European Economic Community member States about granting asylum to Iranian nationals.

Mr. Onslow: The granting of asylum to foreign nationals is a matter within the competence of individual European Community States. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has recently instructed that when an Iranian national would not normally be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom, but expresses a fear of returning to Iran, his case should be considered with humanity and sympathy with a view to allowing him to remain in this country on an exceptional basis.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

Accountants and Consultants

Mr. Eggar asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the occasions on which his Department has used from outside the Civil Service (a) accountants, (b) management consultants and (c) other consultants since June 1979, giving in each case the dates and nature of the assignment, together with the names of the individuals, partnerships or institutions involved.

Mr. Peter Walker: Apart from the routine use of professional advisers on a day-to-day basis, the following firms have been engaged on specific assignments:

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