§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the people of St. Helena will be consulted in the decision-making process on the viability of an airstrip on St. Helena. [119607]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe St. Helena Government, Councillors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on the island will be consulted during the comparative study of air and sea access that is expected to start in the middle of this year. The study will identify the most cost-efficient permanent solution to the island's international passenger and cargo transportation needs.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost will be of the airstrip feasibility study on St. Helena; who will undertake it; and how long it will take to complete. [119608]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe comparative study of air and sea access, which will identify the most cost-efficient permanent solution to the island's international passenger and cargo transportation needs, is expected to cost some £150,000. Consultants to undertake the study will be appointed following a competitive tendering exercise. Completion of the study is expected to take an elapsed time of some 14 weeks following mobilisation of the consultants.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when a decision will be reached on the viability of an airstrip on St. Helena. [119609]
§ Mr. FoulkesDiscussions with the St. Helena Government on the findings of the comparative study of air and sea access will begin once a final report has been produced. Draft Terms of Reference for the study are currently being considered by the St. Helena Government and it is expected that the study, which will have an elapsed time of some 14 weeks, will start in July or August.