§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received so far from commercial airline companies wishing to use the new Falklands airport;
(2) what diversionary airports would be used by commercial airlines wishing to use the new Falklands airport; and which Latin American nations have so far agreed to provide this facility.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe airfield is not due for completion before 1986 and no such representations from commercial airline companies have so far been received. Diversionary arrangements would be a matter for the airlines using the airport.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the length of the new Falklands airport is adequate for the safety requirements of the major airline companies.
§ Mr. WhitneyYes. The airfield will be capable of handling wide-bodied civil aircraft with a full complement of passengers and sufficient fuel to fly non-stop at least as far as Ascension Island or an equivalent distance.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the new Falklands airport will be opened for use by commercial airline companies.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe expect the new airfield at Mount Pleasant to be fully operational in the first half of 1986.