§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect the potential removal of the Lan Chile flight to and from the Falklands will have on the proposal to reduce Tristar flights to the islands. [77991]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonWe regret the Chilean Government's decision to ask Lan Chile to suspend flights to the Falklands and do not believe this to be justified. We hope the Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands. The reduction in the number of RAF Tristar Airbridge flights to the Falkland Islands was one of a range of efficiency proposals identified by the Strategic Defence Review. It represents a rationalisation of the use of Tristar aircraft, following technical improvements that allow them to carry an increased payload. Final arrangements for the implementation of this measure are still under consideration.