HC Deb 18 March 1953 vol 513 cc21-2
35. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation why the facilities offered by the Cyprus Government for the construction of an international airport on the island for use by British Overseas Airways Corporation's Asiatic and African services have been refused.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. John Profumo)

I am not aware that an offer has been made.

36. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether Cyprus will be transferred from the British European Airways Corporation's operating area to that of the British Overseas Airways Corporation at an early date.

Mr. Profumo

An agreement has been reached between the two Corporations for the British Overseas Airways Corporation to operate certain services through Cyprus additional to the present terminating service operated by British European Airways in conjunction with Cyprus Airways. My right hon. Friend hopes to reach a decision in this matter very shortly.

Mr. Alport

Does not my hon. Friend think that this change would enable Cyprus to be developed as a first-class Commonwealth airport, instead of the use of foreign airports in the Levant as is at present the case?

Mr. Profumo

I have no doubt that this will help.