Sudan (Curtailment of Over-Flying Facilities)

HC Deb 03 December 1964 vol 703 cc109-10W

Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the reinforcement of British forces at Aden and other points east of Suez is affected by the curtailment of over-flying rights for British aircraft announced by the Sudan Government.

Mr. Healey

Our air traffic as a whole will suffer inconvenience and occasional delays through the curtailment of facilities by the Sudan Government, because the Sudan is on the best all-the-year-round air route to the Middle and Far East. We shall, however, be able to reinforce British forces east of Suez as and when necessary.