3. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the seven civil aircraft situated at Kaitak Airport, Hong Kong, which were recently destroyed or damaged by explosives.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsEarly on the morning of Sunday, 2nd April, seven civil aircraft at Kaitak Airport were sabotaged by light explosive charges. None of the aircraft was destroyed, but the aircraft involved have been put out of action, at any rate for the time being. Immediately the 1665 explosions occurred the area involved was cleared, and some 12 employees of the two Chinese corporations who claim to own the aircraft were held by the police for interrogation. The police investigations are still proceeding, but so far no charges have been made against any persons. The area was already well guarded by police, but the guard has now been increased and the lighting of the area has been improved. It will, however, be appreciated that the close and constant supervision of 70 aircraft, which are dispersed over the airport to minimise the risk of danger from fire or of damage by storm, and to which the employees of the two Chinese corporations still have access for maintenance work, presents a difficult problem.
Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of the employees of the People's Government, which is Communist, had passes to give them access to the airport? Can he say whether these men are still in possession of those passes, and, if so, will he take steps to see that they are withdrawn?
§ Mr. GriffithsI should like to see that question on the Order Paper.