HC Deb 18 October 1971 vol 823 cc51-2W
53. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication has been received from the Government of Libya in reply to representations from Her Majesty's Government relating to the forced landing of a British Overseas Airways Corporation VC10 in Libya, and the removal of Sudanese citizens; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

The Government of Libya have furnished explanations of their action both here and in Tripoli. I cannot say that these explanations were altogether satisfactory. A delegation from the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations visited Libya recently to discuss the incident with the Libyan authorities. I understand that it was satisfied with the assurances given them and it for its part now regards the incident as closed.

The question of preventing incidents of this kind has been raised with the International Civil Aviation Organisation. In these circumstances we need not pursue this matter further with the Libyan Government.