Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to deal with Argentine threats to the commercial sustainability of the Falkland Islands.

The United Kingdom fully supports the Falkland Islands in the development of their economy. Attempts by Argentina to disrupt legitimate commercial activities in the Falklands have no basis in law. Threatening Argentine rhetoric and actions are formally challenged at high levels with the Argentine government in Buenos Aires and in international fora wherever and whenever it is necessary.

Despite Argentine efforts, the Falkland Islands economy is sustainable, continues to grow and has a positive future. The prospective hydrocarbons industry in the Falklands continues to attract interest from new international partners and will see further exploratory drilling next year.