Falkland Islands (Hansard, 24 January 1985)

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with provision of doctors and flying doctor services in the Falklands.

§ Mr. Renton
The Falkland Islands Government, who are responsible for the civilian medical services of the Falkland Islands, have confirmed that they are satisfied with the present provision of three civilian doctors and with the flying doctor service, which has first claim on the use of the Government Air Service.

§ Mr. Foulkes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role is envisaged for the airport at Port Stanley in the economic development of the Falklands.

§ Mr. Renton
We envisage that after the completion of the new airport at Mount Pleasant Port Stanley airport will continue to have an important role in providing a base for air communication within the islands.

§ Mr. Foulkes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the airport at Port Stanley is to be used for the transport of air freight and civilian passengers; what representations he has received in this respect; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Renton
The airport at Port Stanley has long been used for the transport of air freight and civilian passengers. Once the new Mount Pleasant airport is fully operational Port Stanley airport will continue to perform this function for internal traffic. We have received no representations on this matter.

§ Mr. Foulkes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the recommendations made in the second Shackleton report in respect of an airport on the Falklands and its uses, indicating which of the recommendations have been carried out.

§ Mr. Renton
The Falkland Islands Economic Study 1982 (Cmnd. 8653) recommended that:

(a) the new runway should be not less than 8,500 feet; capable of receiving medium-haul jets direct from South American cities and DC 10s from Ascension Island.

(b) as a matter of the highest priority, steps be taken as politically appropriate to establish a civil external air service.

(c) the new air service be operated by a contract airline operator under the Falkland Islands Government. On the grounds of cost, taken together with the need for reasonable flexibility on onwards connections, the optimum service is considered to be via Punta Arenas.

The main runway of the new Mount Pleasant airport will meet the first of these recommendations.
We would welcome the resumption of commercial air links between the Falklands and the South American mainland, and hope these will evolve naturally.