§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the announcement by British Airways that their aircraft, among others of Western airlines, were not permitted to use Moscow airport for a period of three hours, coincident with the opening of the Olympic Games, while aircraft operated by Aeroflot and the East Germany airline were permitted to operate there; and what action he has taken to protest against such discrimination.
§ Mr. TebbitI understand that the Board of Airline Representatives in Moscow, representing all the airlines flying into Moscow, requested the Russian authorities to give an explanation for the action referred to by the hon. Member. The explanation given was that the Russian security authorities had received a warning that an attempt would be made to interfere with an airline of a Western country during the period of the opening of the Olympic games and it had therefore been deemed advisable to divert aircraft of Western airlines from Moscow during the period in question. I am advised that under the terms of the relevant international conventions relating to security of civil aviation, aeronautical authorities are required to take such practicable measures as are appropriate to deal with a specific threat. It would not therefore be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to protest.