§ 6. Mr. Peter Pike (Burnley)What discussions his Department has had with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regarding financial support from Her Majesty's Government. [137788]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. Gareth Thomas)Following discussions in 2002, debt relief under the Commonwealth debt initiative was agreed for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A total of £2,332,000 in aid debt repayments due to the UK over the period up to 2010–11 was forgiven. St. Vincent is also eligible for support from a DFID-funded education programme for the eastern Caribbean states, and has started activities under that programme.
§ Mr. PikeI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. He will know that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a very small country—in fact, its population is only just above that of our own constituencies. He will recognise that those people need education aid, particularly books and computers, but does he recognise that there is a particular need for a new prison? They accept that their prison does not meet the requirements of 2003: that is a major problem for such a small country. What help can the Government give to make the prison at least fit for people to stay in?
Mr. ThomasMy hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the Prime Minister of St. Vincent is considering building a new prison and has identified a site for it. We are providing technical assistance for that work and ongoing training support to the staff who work in the existing prison. I know that my hon. Friend has just come back from visiting St. Vincent, and I am happy to have a longer conversation with him if he would like that.