Written question asked by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative) on Monday, 27 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 November 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications of opening Basra International Airport to non-governmental commercial and passenger flights for (a) trade with and (b) the reconstruction of Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of opening Basra International Airport to non-governmental commercial and passenger flights for (a) trade with and (b) the reconstruction of Iraq. [135361] Mr. Rammell: Opening Basra airport to commercial aviation would have a positive effect on trade and reconstruction. We intend that the airport should be opened to commercial aviation as soon as possible once the relevant security and other requirements have been met.

Secondary information