§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the British Antarctic survey airstrip being built at Rothera point will be used for any activity other than that connected with pure science, or by an organisation which is not part of the Natural Environment Research Council; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe Rothera airstrip, which will replace the current ice ski-way, will be used to support the scientific programme of the British Antarctic survey. This programme of fundamental investigation uses the unique natural laboratory conditions in Antarctica both to address problems of global relevance (such as ozone depletion and related atmospheric chemistry and climate history) and to improve the understanding of this least known continent.
Under the general requirements of the Antarctic treaty, the airstrip will be available for use by other Antarctic national operations, subject to specific requests, agreed in advance. It will not be available to non-governmental or commercial organisations, except in emergency where life is significantly at risk.