asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of continuing reports that the United States Government are aiding and financing groups attempting to overthrow the government of Nicaragua; that two US mercenaries were killed when an anti-government helicopter was shot down in September 1984; the view the Government take of the involvement of such mercenaries; if any representations have been made to the US authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that Nicaragua continues to be subjected to attack by rebel forces operating from outside its borders. The Government are opposed to outside interference in Central American countries, as in all other countries, and are concerned about the activities of groups which attempt to de-stabilise the Nicaraguan Government. All parties involved in the Central American situation are aware of the Government's position, and indeed that of the ten member states of the European Community, which is that a solution to the region's problems must be political and not military and that such a solution must respect the principles of non-interference and inviolability of frontiers. We believe that the initiative of the Contadora group is the best opportunity to bring about such a solution in Central America.

The question relates to continuing reports that the United States are supporting various counter revolutionary groups and I should like to know if the Minister is aware of such reports, if he has checked them out and if he can confirm, or deny, that the United States is supporting those groups?

I am not aware of them. There are so many reports of this nature being made on such a regular basis in so many fora and media throughout the world that it would be quite impossible for the Department of Foreign Affairs to check up on them all.

Have the Department, or the Government, asked the United States if the reports are true?

No.

Why not?