§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what licences have been granted for prospecting for petroleum products in the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands; and what moneys have been received in respect of prospecting options to date.
§ Mr. RowlandsNo licences have been granted. During 1969 and 1971 three companies deposited a total of US $14,300 with the Falkland Islands Government against the issue of licences, but the money was returned to the companies. The basis of a licensing policy has not been determined.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that intending air travellers to the Falkland Islands at the moment must spend five days on the journey and travel via Buenos Aires obtaining consent from the Argentine Government to their visit; and what he intends to do to rectify the situation.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe length of time spent on the journey to the Falkland Islands by travellers from the United Kingdom is conditioned by air service schedules. Under optimum conditions it can be completed in 3½ days. On any occasion that the Argentine authorities have insisted that travellers to the islands, other than residents of Argentina or the Falkland Islands, should have travel cards, Her Majesty's Embassy has made a formal protest.
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§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the construction of the new international airport in the Falkland Islands; when it will be in use; and if he will ensure that the new runway will be of sufficient length to operate international flights from countries other than Argentina.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe permanent airfield should be operational by the end of July, but it is unlikely to be proved fully until the end of the year. The specification of the airfield will enable it to handle aircraft capable, if necessary, of flying to countries other than Argentina.