Falkland Islands (Hansard, 22 November 1976)

§ Mr. Carter-Jones
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to make sure that the appropriate machinery and equipment for making the new runway and for extending the airport on the Falkland Islands, is kept on the island; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Judd
I have been asked to reply.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to a Question from the hon. Member for Croydon, North-West (Mr. Taylor). I can assure him that the machinery will not be removed while it is needed for the construction of the new runway. No decision has yet been taken about the further expansion to the airport recommended in the economic survey of the Falkland Islands prepared by Lord Shackleton.

§ Mr. Carter-Jones
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest estimate of the completion date for the extended runway 915W on the Falkland Islands; if he will give an estimate of the total cost required for the completion of such extension and the cost of maintaining such an airport; from what source this money will be provided; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Judd
I have been asked to reply.
Having assessed the implications of a number or unforeseen difficulties it now appears that the earliest date at which the airport can be ready for operational use is May 1977. My officials are in close touch with the Crown Agents and the consulting engineers to ensure that no unavoidable delays will occur. The final cost of constructing the airport is still the subject of negotiations on various claims made by the construction company; this sum, when agreed, will be borne on the Ministry of Overseas Development's Vote. The latest estimate of maintenance costs

Serial Year Occasion Number of Conservative hon. Members involved (total British participants in brackets) Total cost of occasion to British sources^*

1. … … 1974 GB/USSR Association Conference—Dilizhan … 1 (14) £2,238

2. … … 1976 Anglo-Soviet Round Table—Moscow … … 2(10) £3,366

3. … … 1976 Anglo-Polish Round Table—Torun … … 2(17) £2,128

^* In the case of Serial 1 the cost given is that to the GB/USSR Association which receives a grant-in-aid from public funds. In the case of Serials 2 and 3, the cost given was met directly from public funds.

§ Mr. Madden
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name all opposition hon. Members who have sought briefings by his departmental officials since March 1974 prior to visits to countries in Eastern Europe.

§ Mr. Tomlinson
Since March 1974, Members on both sides of the House have frequently sought briefing advice and information from officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before visiting countries in Eastern Europe, as is also frequently the case before visiting countries in other parts of the world. I think it is generally assumed and understood that such briefing is given in confidence. I am sure hon. Members will agree that it would not be proper to provide a list of names.

Serial	Year	Occasion			Number of Conservative hon. Members involved (total British participants in brackets)	Total cost of occasion to British sources^*
1.	…	…	1974	GB/USSR Association Conference—Dilizhan		…	1 (14)	£2,238
2.	…	…	1976	Anglo-Soviet Round Table—Moscow	…	…	2(10)	£3,366
3.	…	…	1976	Anglo-Polish Round Table—Torun	…	…	2(17)	£2,128
^* In the case of Serial 1 the cost given is that to the GB/USSR Association which receives a grant-in-aid from public funds. In the case of Serials 2 and 3, the cost given was met directly from public funds.