§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what benefits the Seychelles will receive from the United State satellite training station to be set up there.
§ Mr. FisherI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the satellite tracking station.
About 500 Seychellois will be employed for several months during the period in which the station is being constructed and it is expected that about 100 Seychellois will he subsequently employed. The Seychelles economy will also benefit from the personal expenditure of between 50 and 60 American personnel at the station.
Subject to the terms of the agreement, which is not yet concluded, it is expected that certain residual benefits will accrue to the Seychelles economy when, in due course, the station is no longer required.