§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has made to the Government of Zaire about their failure to allocate foreign exchange for the remittance to the United 318W Kingdom of revenue earnings by British Caledonian Airways.
§ Mr. DellMy Department had a number of discussions with British Caledonian Airways as to whether they wished us to make representations to the Government of Zaire, but on no occasion did the airline feel the time was right. In May of this year, my Department did in fact initiate an approach by our Ambassador in Kinshasa to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zaire in an attempt to avert cessation of these services. British Caledonian Airways were, of course, informed. However, before any answer could be received the company decided to terminate the services to Kinshasa from 28th July.