asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the opportunities offered by Malta as a centre for fuelling commercial aircraft; what steps are being taken to add to landing places available for commercial liners; and whether he will consider arrangements for allowing the restricted use of military places for civil purposes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, only Service landing grounds have so far been provided in Malta, but all requests for the use of Air Force facilities for civil air traffic purposes are. sympathetically considered and granted wherever this can be done without detriment to Service requirements.