HC Deb 30 January 1970 vol 794 cc416-7W
Mr. Lubbock

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the International Civil Aviation Organisation for dealing with the problem of hijacking of aircraft.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The United Kingdom joined with other members of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in an initiative which led to the establishment by the Council of a special Committee on Unlawful Interference with International Civil Aviation; the United Kingdom Representative on the Council is a member of that Committee. Her Majesty's Government are also playing a leading part in the development by the Legal Committee of I.C.A.O. of a new Convention dealing specifically with the treatment of hijackers and the consequences of their actions.

Mr. Lubbock

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to hijacked aircraft which may land at United Kingdom airports, and with regard to the persons responsible for hijacking.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Her Majesty's Government would take appropriate measures in accordance with the provisions of the Tokyo Convention and consistent with the safety of passengers and crew to restore control of the aircraft to its lawful commander or to preserve his control of the aircraft, permit its passengers and crew to continue their journey as soon as practicable, and return the aircraft and its cargo to those lawfully entitled to possession. The action taken against the hijacker would necessarily depend on the circumstances of the case but consideration would be given to prosecuting him for any offence over which the United Kingdom had jurisdiction or to any request for his extradition.