asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has held with Firstland Oil concerning a possible offshore oil licence around the Falkland Islands; if he intends to communicate with Argentina regarding the licence; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will list all representations and communications to his Department since January 1984 concerning the granting of licences for oil drilling on or around the Falkland Islands.

Firstland Oil and Gas plc has expressed interest in offshore exploration for hydrocarbons around the Falklands. The matter is currently under study. The same company was granted a licence for onshore oil prospecting in the Falklands on 19 July 1984.