HC Deb 11 February 1964 vol 689 cc197-9
11. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in view of the concern expressed by the Premiers of Barbados and British Guiana, supported by other Caribbean Commonwealth countries, that Regulations affecting their air services have been made without previous consultation with the territorial Governments, what consultations he is now having with these Governments.

Mr. Fisher

The Regulations, made by the Minister of Aviation under the Civil Aviation (Licensing) Act, 1960, do not affect the current air services of British Guiana or Barbados. No representations Lave been received from the Premier of British Guiana. A full explanation of the effect of these Regulations has been sent to Barbados.

Mr. Chapman

Does this mean that, when the recent Caribbean summit conference passed a resolution protesting about the Regulations being made without consultation with Barbados and British Guiana, all the leaders in the Caribbean—representing Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and British Guiana—were wholly misinformed on this matter? If that is so, is this not a blunder for which an apology is due?

Mr. Fisher

They must have been misinformed. The truth is that Barbados has no airline and that British Guiana certainly has not an airline capable of operating into the United Kingdom, so can only assume that the four countries concerned, when they discussed this in Kingston, must have been under a misconception about the Regulations.

Mr. Bottomley

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would have been wiser to have held consultations initially so that there could be no misunderstanding? Will he assure us that there will be no attempt by the vested interests to corner the markets which may be damaging to these territories?

Mr. Fisher

The Colonial Governments were notified in advance about these Regulations. It was not intended to consult because the Act of Parliament under which they were made was passed after full consultation with the Governments of the dependent territories. There was, therefore, no question of consultation about the Regulations.

Mr. Chapman

Let us get this clear. The complaint is that the Regulations become effective in dependent territories, thus limiting the landings of commercial airliners in those territories. If that is so, should not the Government have consulted Barbados about the type of plane and airline to be allowed to land there? Should not consultations have been held before the Regulations were made?

Mr. Fisher

I do not think so. The former Regulations took care of all Commonwealth and foreign countries. They excepted Colonial Territories. The new Regulations bring them into line. This was done because there was evasion of Regulations passed by this House, so my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation had to act.