§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the application made to use the island of Sombrero, near Anguilla, as a rocket launch site; what assessment he has made of the likely effect on wildlife on the island; and if he will make a statement. [62097]
§ Mr. BattleBeal Aerospace, an American company, wish to develop Sombrero Island as a satellite launch site, and have already negotiated with the Government of Anguilla an option to lease Sombrero. The Anguillan Government have negotiated conditions on the lease which include their being satisfied on the likely impact upon the environment. Beal have submitted an Environmental Impact Report on the project to the Anguillan and UK Governments.
It will be for the Anguillan Government to decide whether or not to give permission to Beal Aerospace to develop the island. The UK's role is to give whatever advice and assistance is necessary to help the Government of Anguilla make that decision. We anticipate this assistance to include providing an evaluation of the Environmental Impact Report. In the interests of transparency and open debate, the UK Government are making copies of the Environmental Impact Report available to the UK Non-Governmental Organisations who have expressed an interest. Over the next few weeks officials will be discussing with the Government of Anguilla the detailed plans for assisting them with the planning application.