FALKLAND ISLANDS
Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of potential implications for his policy on the defence of the Falkland Islands of the sale of Gripen fighters to Argentina; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Philip Dunne, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology (including Defence Exports): The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of potential military threats to the Falkland Islands to ensure that we retain an appropriate level of defensive capability to address any such threats. We remain vigilant and committed to the protection of the Falkland Islanders. It would be inappropriate for the UK Government to comment on the commercial activities of other Governments.