MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Councillors in Labour Conference.

The Falkland Islands stand set up at the annual Labour Party Conference in Brighton is attracting many visitors, reports FIBS.

Councillors Norma Edwards and Stephen Luxton are looking after the stand, along with Falkland Islands Government Office in London, FIGO representative Sukey Cameron. Next week they'll be moving to Bournemouth for the Conservative Party Conference. All other elected Councillors have now returned to the Islands.

Jan Cheek arrived Wednesday after going to the Overseas Territories Consultative Council at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Richard Cockwell has also recently arrived back from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, meeting in Canada. Falklands Councillors have for years participated in the British political parties' conferences where they have a chance to meet MPs, government officials and lobby strongly for the Islands. Similarly elected Councillors regularly participate in CPA and OT meetings with the same objective.

Exco considers lease for Sand Bay abattoir.

The Falkland Islands Executive Council held its monthly session this Thursday morning in Government House and one of the points in the agenda included two reports looking at leases.

Members were recommended to grant FIDC a ninety-nine year Crown Lease at a peppercorn rent of Sand Bay Abattoir and the surrounding paddocks, arguing that this is non-assignable and could be terminated by either party with six months notice.

The tenant would be responsible for maintaining and insuring the building and indemnifying FIG and holding public liability insurance. The lease would be from 1st January 2003. The report also recommended that members approve the grant by FIDC to Falkland Islands Meat Company of a five year licence to use and occupy Sand Bay Abattoir and surrounding paddocks. The licence is non-assignable and able to be terminated by either party with six months notice.

The second report looking at leases recommended that members approve revised terms for the grant of a Crown Lease to South Atlantic Marine Services. This refers to the seabed on which SAMS is building a jetty on and shipping in Stanley harbour.

As customary the outcome of the meeting will be made public by Governor Howard Pearce.