HL Deb 13 February 1979 vol 398 cc1238-40WA
Lord KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the position in international law of military and civil air bases established on ice on the high seas.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

Her Majesty's Government are not aware of any bases which have been established on ice on the high seas for the purposes of general civilian or military aviation. Scientific research stations established on ice on the high seas are normally supplied by air and have landing facilities. The legal position of any such station while floating on the high seas is not clearly defined and would have to be established in relation to a specific issue by reference to any applicable treaties and the general rules of international law, notably the law of the high seas and possibly air law.

Mr. AND Mrs. SAVVAS CHRISTOFI

Lord HYLTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether on humanitarian, economic and employment grounds, they will exercise their discretion not to deport Mr. and Mrs. Savvas Christofi of 109 Perry Hill, London SE6, given that—

  1. (a) they have resided in Britain continuously since August 1971;
  2. (b) they have a young daughter born in London;
  3. (c) they are house-owners;
  4. (d) they have invested external funds in Britain and now own a factory employing some 50 people; and
  5. (e) they are law-abiding taxpayers and most unlikely to cause trouble to anyone.

Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAM

My right honourable friend was of course aware of their circumstances when he made the deportation orders in respect of these two people. Until he has considered the further representations made by their constituency Member of Parliament, however, the orders will not be implemented.

House adjourned at twenty-eight minutes before ten o'clock.