§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the creation of the St. Helena Business Forum has had on unemployment levels. [117797]
§ Mr. BattleThe St. Helena Business Forum was formed in 1997 at the instigation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In 1998 it became the St. Helena Focus Group and is now run by the private sector. It is a voluntary organisation that was established to promote St. Helena to the private sector in the UK. One of its members has been appointed as a part-time Commercial Representative to the St. Helena Government. The Commercial Representative and Focus Group have greatly improved the service to potential inward investors and have taken a proactive role in inward investment promotion activities. In 1997 unemployment was 20 per cent., at the end of 1999 it was 15 per cent.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans has he to develop employment opportunities on St. Helena in non-governmental areas. [117799]
§ Mr. BattleThe St. Helena Government in its Strategic Review 2000–2010 and Country Policy Plan 2000–01, 2002–03 clearly sets out its commitment to promote employment opportunities. These include increasing contracting out of government services; the promotion of tourism and inward investment; and increased export promotion. Many of these activities are undertaken in conjunction with the St. Helena Development Agency (SHDA) which has been instrumental in creating or sustaining well over 120 jobs in 1998 in the private sector. The Department for International Development has funded a £1.386 million project to provide working capital for the SHDA. The SHDA provides grants and loans particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises as well as training and advice.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many St. Helenians are serving in the Armed Forces; and what percentage of the population that represents. [117801]
§ Mr. BattleThirty six St. Helenians have joined the UK Armed Forces since November 1997 which represents roughly 0.72 per cent. of the population. Several have returned to St. Helena since recruitment because they have either not completed basic training or for other, personal, reasons. Currently 29 are in the services.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans has he to assist St. Helena in developing the fishing industry. [117798]
§ Mr. BattleSince 1996, the St. Helena Government (SHG) has been engaged in the establishment of a joint venture with Argos Ltd. On 29 February 2000 Argos Atlantic Cold Store was officially opened at Ruperts Bay in St. Helena. This increases fish freezing and cold storage capacity to 800 tonnes. Quotas placed on the local fishermen during times of high catches will now be eliminated. I understand Argos intend to take immediate steps to increase the volume of fish caught by importing bait and improving fishing expertise.
468W
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to assist St. Helena in diversifying its economy. [117800]
§ Mr. BattleThe St. Helena Government set out their vision for the future and long-term development strategy in their Strategic Review 2000–10 and Country Policy Plan 2000–01 to 2002–03. This is clearly based on the need to continue to develop the island's private sector and attract inward investment. The St. Helena and British Governments agreed during this January's discussions on a new three-year aid agreement that progress towards a more sustainable economy will remain difficult until access to the island is radically improved. The outcome of the Department for International Development's proposed comparative costs study of future air access versus sea access will be relevant to future tourism development.