HC Deb 04 July 1973 vol 859 cc518-9
11. Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement on the future of St. Helena.

Lord Balniel

The St. Helena development adviser hopes to return to London on 1st August with his proposals. They will be studied urgently and I shall inform the hon. Gentleman of the outcome.

Mr. Carter

I thank the Minister for that reply. However, will he take note of the fact that a large percentage of the families on this island live on less than £3 a week for the whole family? In view of the fact that these are all British citizens, will he take immediate steps, before the report is published, to relieve the poverty and appalling conditions in which these people live?

Lord Balniel

This is a very important matter and the development adviser is giving priority to investigating this aspect of life in St. Helena. I have asked the Governor to consult the development adviser as to the possibility of producing an interim report on the desirability of such measures affecting the poorest section of the community there.

Sir F. Bennett

If there is such an interim report, will my right hon. Friend do his best to ensure that it contains urgent consideration of the need for some sort of airstrip or airport? This, above all else, is what the island needs if it is to survive.

Lord Balniel

The report will of course be studied urgently. Two members of the Civil Aviation Authority are advising on the feasibility of an airfield, but there are as yet no firm proposals to build an airfield.

Mr. Haselhurst

Will my right hon. Friend consider putting some pressure on the Overseas Development Administration to see whether some funds can be found urgently to help the people of St. Helena? I fully endorse the remarks of the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Carter) about the present standard of living there. Will my right hon. Friend give this urgent consideration in advance of any report by the development adviser?

Lord Balniel

I think that the step that I have taken, of asking for an interim report, is the correct one in the circumstances. But the question of the level of aid to St. Helena must await the publication of that report. Before then, it would be wrong to act.