§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the new airstrip in the 31W Falkland Islands has been completed and is now in operational use; and, if so, whether the Argentine Government are paying any landing charges for the use of these facilities by their aircraft.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe new airfield is completed but is not yet operational. A Civil Aviation Authority inspector is now inspecting the airfield, and will report to the Governor on its fitness for operation. The agreement with Argentina concluded in 1972 and covering the operation of the weekly air service, exempts from landing charges the Argentine State Airline (LADE). This arrangement is likely to continue when the new airport is operational.
§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what income he estimates the new airstrip in the Falkland Islands will generate; and from what sources.
§ Mr. RowlandsThere are at present no estimates of any income which the new airfield might generate. The level of landing charges will be for the Falkland Islands Government to determine.
§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to encourage the commercial development of fishing for blue whiting off the Falkland Islands and their dependencies.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe commercial development of fishing for blue whiting and other species of fish in Falklands and Dependencies waters is being considered, in consultation with the industry.
§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates he has received of the gross value of the probable annual catch of shell fish and blue whiting within the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands and their dependencies.
§ Mr. RowlandsBlue whiting is not found in significant quantities within the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands and their Dependencies. As for shellfish around the Falkland Islands, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 22nd March.—[Vol. 928, c.527.] There are no estimates for the Falkland Island Dependencies.