§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement about the ending this month by British Caledonian Airways of its regular service to Kinshasa, Zaire.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I understand that British Caledonian Airways has been unable to remit any funds from Zaire to the United Kingdom since its service to Kinshasa started in July 1975. British Caledonian Airways and a number of other international airlines similarly affected have made representations to the Zairian authorities, so far without success. As a result, British Caledonian Airways has made a commercial decision to cease serving Kinshasa from 28th July.
§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, may I ask him to bear in mind that President Mobutu announced on 30th June that there would be a total reform of the whole structure of government? Would he also bear in mind that there is a General Agreement on Co-operation, including economic co-operation, between our two countries? In view of the fact that there are to be sweeping changes within Zaire, would Her Majesty's Government do all in their power to assist British Caledonian to delay withdrawal of its service pending the outcome of the changes that have been announced by President Mobutu?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, the Department has been in close touch with British Caledonian on this matter and has made 1102 representations in Zaire; Her Majesty's Ambassador did make representations on the matter. These representations are continuing. Certainly we shall bear in mind the factors which the noble Lord mentioned, and if further opportunities were to arise as a result of the changes he anticipates, we would continue to be as helpful as we can.
§ Lord MERRIVALEMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord. Would he also bear in mind that, in effect, the only other francophone African country to which British Caledonian operates is Senegal, because, unfortunately, the service to the Ivory Coast has not started yet? Therefore, if Her Majesty's Government can assist British Caledonian, financially or otherwise, to delay this decision, would not the noble Lord agree that it might be beneficial for all those who wished to go to that part of the world?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, of course, the decision is a commercial one which has to be reached by the airline itself. Those additional comments from the noble Lord will certainly be borne in mind by Her Majesty's Government in continuing to help the airline in any way that it appreciates.