HC Deb 14 January 1985 vol 71 cc20-2
68. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the closure of the new airport at Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mr. Raison

The airport was closed to scheduled jet services from 29 November to 19 December while maintenance work was undertaken on the runway. It is now open and operating normally.

Mr. Spearing

Does the Minister recall that another report of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee expressed dissatisfaction with his Ministry's arrangements for the construction of the runway? Will he assure the House that he will investigate the events of that time and the effect that they may or may not have had on the closure of that controversial airport?

Mr. Raison

I do not believe that the events of that time had any effect on the recent developments. I am advised that it is not unusual for such cracks to appear. The runway is now operating successfully and so, I believe, will the Club Med project.