HC Deb 12 February 1959 vol 599 cc236-7W
85. and 87. Mr. Awbery

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) what had been the cause of the hold up in the construction of the air base on the island of Gan in the Maldives; what objections were raised by the Government of the Maldives or that of Ceylon; and if he will take steps to invite a delegation from the Maldivian islands to come to London to discuss direct with him the problems of the islands;

(2) if he has now completed the negotiations which have been proceeding since early in 1957 with reference to the construction of an airfield on the island of Gan; if he is satisfied that there is no danger of making this a one industry island which could be destroyed with its whole economy if it should be decided at any time to withdraw from it.

Mr. Alport

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air on 21st January and by myself on the 20th January. The negotiations referred to in the latter answer are continuing. I am satisfied that there is no danger of the kind referred to in the hon. Member's second Question.

86. Mr. Awbery

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the total labour force engaged on the construction of the staging post on the island of Gan; how many of them came from Pakistan for this work; and what arrangements have been made for them to return home when the construction of the base is completed.

Mr. Alport

The total labour force, not including members of the R.A.F. is at present about 2,200 men, of whom about 1,300 are Pakistanis. The contracts under which the Pakistanis are employed provide for their repatriation to Pakistan.

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