§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government will advise United Kingdom airlines not to overfly any part of the Persian Gulf.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNo. We are in close touch with British airlines operating in the region about measures to safeguard their operations. We fully support initiatives in ICAO to provide for alternative air routes in the region so as to enhance the future safety of international civil aviation.