upgrading of hotel and guest-house facilities; the development of cottage industry skills; and the improvement of the water supply and sewage system in Port Stanley.
PRESERVATION OF ISLANDERS' WAY OF LIFE
60. The programme outlined to the House on 8 December is designed to preserve their way of life as far as possible. The mainstay of the economy will continue to be sheep-ranching but the programme. provides opportunities for the development of new sectors.
CONSULTATION WITH THE ISLANDERS
61.
Copies of the Report were delivered to every settlement in the Islands by helicopter on the same day (13 September) as it was published in London. The Civil Commissioner canvassed the Islanders' views through public meetings, through their elected Councillors and in direct discussion. In addition my hon Friend the Minister of State (Mr Cranley Onslow) discussed many aspects of the Report with Islanders during his recent visit.
OTHER 'INTERESTED PARTIES' CONSULTED
62. We have naturally been in touch with the Falkland Islands Company. We have also had discussions with various companies interested either in investment or in the prospects of obtaining contracts for work which might be sponsored by the government in the light of Lord Shackleton's recommendations. News of the establishment of a bank branch and brewery represent the first fruits of these consultations.
WHY HAS DECISION ON AIRPORT NOT YET BEEN TAKEN?
63. As I pointed out in my Statement on 8 December, the Government recognises the importance of this matter, but the outcome must depend on decisions still to be taken by my right hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence. Not only the military needs of the
garrison, but also the Islanders' own requirements and the longer-term economic development of the Islands, will be taken fully
into account.
PROSPECTS FOR AIR COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHILE/BRAZIL/URUGUAY
64. We would welcome the establishment of a regular commercial air service between the Falklands and the South American mainland, but there are obvious difficulties about this in the aftermath of the fighting. There is no immediate prospect of establishing such a service, but we hope it will be possible in due course.
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