HC Deb 18 June 1969 vol 785 c479
23. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities are normally provided by his Department at airports in British overseas territories.

Mr. William Rodgers

The provision of facilities is primarily the responsibility of the territory concerned. But in certain cases, taking into account, for example, the financial position of a territory, the Board does from time to time contribute to the cost involved.

Mr. Fortescue

Would not the Minister agree that in territories such as Hong Kong, to which much wanted tourist traffic is denied by the British Government's action in refusing landing rights to foreign airlines, there is a moral obligation on the British Government to help the Government of Hong Kong to provide facilities such as the lengthening of runways at Kaitak airport?

Mr. Rodgers

No, I do not accept that a moral obligation is involved. Some proposals about Hong Kong have been made to us and we are considering them.

Mr. Dalyell

To come a bit nearer home than Hong Kong, to the capital city of Scotland, can something be done urgently about Edinburgh airport and, in particular—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The House did not know that Scotland was overseas.