Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what the role of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has been in the approval of oil production licenses in the Falkland Islands in the last thirty years; and whether they anticipate any imminent changes to that role.

The UK Government maintains a consistent position on the right of the Falkland Islands to develop their natural resources. It is integral to their right of self-determination, which this Government will resolutely uphold. Any new hydrocarbons licences require the consent of the Secretary of State, who acts in accordance with applicable Falkland Islands legislation, we do not comment on individual licences.

The Government of the Falkland Islands is responsible for hydrocarbon development and the relevant regulatory framework, which includes provision for safety and environmental protection. The Falkland Islands Government have followed their own domestic legal processes in relation to the Sea Lion oil field, including in respect of assessing environmental impact.