HL Deb 06 June 1984 vol 452 cc621-2

2.44 p.m.

Lord Greenhill of Harrow

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to implement the report of Sir Neil Marten on St. Helena.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

My Lords, the report is being considered and any decisions arising from it will be announced in due course. Agreement in principle to establish a new central school was announced during Prince Andrew's visit to the island in April.

Lord Greenhill of Harrow

My Lords, does the Minister not agree that we need to know more about this island? The past is a good deal more familiar than the present. Does she not agree that small colonial territories like St. Helena for which we have full responsibility should have first call on our aid money? The island is without natural resources and our subsidies should provide a standard of living that meets the reasonable requirements of the 5,000 islanders and reflect credit on our colonial administration. I know from my own observations—

Noble Lords

Speech!

Lord Greenhill of Harrow

Is the noble Baroness aware that the requirements of the island are comparatively modest and that—

Noble Lords

Speech!

Lord Greenhill of Harrow

Speech, all right. Is she aware that they are comparatively modest and, in particular, will she examine more closely whether the islanders should be given freer access to this country?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I agree with most of the points that the noble Lord has raised. I can confirm that the present level of aid is over £7 million in the year 1983–84 and that it represents over £1,200 for each inhabitant on the island. Indeed, the unique economic problems are recognised in the substantial programme which clearly demonstrates our support for the island. The projects that are supported include expansion of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. With regard to the noble Lord's second question about increased immigration into the United Kingdom, I can confirm that the special dependent territories' work permits quota is subject to regular review and the needs of St. Helena are taken fully into account.

Lord Oram

My Lords, can the noble Baroness say anything about the employment situation in the island? What is the level, and what are the prospects of jobs for the people there?

Baroness Young

My Lords, a large part of our development aid programme is designed to be labour intensive which alleviates considerably the problems of unemployment. We are exploring the possibilities of other employment elsewhere, including the Falkland Islands. So far as employment on Ascension Island is concerned, there are at present 750 St. Helenans employed on Ascension Island but this figure is likely to be reduced over the next year or two as construction projects are completed.