§ 1. Mr. Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Overseas Development what contribution he is proposing to make to the Government of Tonga in respect of the cost of the second airfield at Vava'u in Tonga ; and on what factors he is basing his decision.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)At the request of the Tonga Government I arranged for two experts to report on aviation development and to survey an alternative site on Vava'u. This report is expected very shortly. Meanwhile, the British Government have not been asked for a contribution.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineIs the Minister aware that it is widely thought in the 2 Pacific area that the reason a second airfield is required is that the original advice proved to be faulty? In these circumstances, will he be quite certain that no steps will be taken except on good advice?
§ Mr. OramThe hon. Gentleman had a Question down at the end of last year about the earlier site. I assure him that the two inquiries which have taken place will ensure that no action is taken that is not likely to be quite successful.