asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the discussions between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Argentine on the future of the Falkland Islands held last month; and when it is proposed that the discussion will be resumed.

The further meeting between British and Argentine delegations, held in Geneva from 18 to 20 December 1978, was devoted to a general review of the various issues with which the Falkland Islands negotiations are concerned, including the outline of a scheme for co-operation in scientific research activities in the Falkland Island dependencies. A copy of the communique issued after the Geneva talks has been placed in the Library of the House. I met a delegation of Falkland Island councillors in Rio de Janeiro on 7 January to brief them on the Geneva talks. Arrangements for a further round of negotiations have not yet been decided.