§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Defence to whom the contract to convey cargo and passengers by air between the United Kingdom and the Falkland Islands was given; what is the value of the contract; whether it was awarded on an open tender system available to other air operators; which airlines were considered for the contract; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heseltine[pursuant to the answer, 26 October 1984, c. 44]: Tenders were sought for a charter contract for the carriage of cargo and passengers by air next year between the United Kingdom and the Mount Pleasant airfield in the Falkland Islands from the three major and well established air operators who had previously confirmed an interest. In the light of the response to the tendering detailed negotiations are now underway with British Airways for the award of a contract. Since no contract has been signed, I cannot say more for the present.