§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is towards the proposal by Andrew Beal to lease for the Government of Anguilla the Island of Sombrero for a rocket launch pad to carry telecommunications satellites. [111231]
§ Mr. VazIt is for the Government of Anguilla to respond to the request by Andrew Beal for permission to build a rocket launching pad on Sombrero Island. The Government of Anguilla have requested technical advice from Her Majesty's Government to help them decide on this planning proposal. This is to allow the Government of Anguilla to investigate thoroughly the proposal's many implications and reach an informed decision. When the Outer Space Act 1986 is extended to Anguilla the Governor will have the discretion to set the terms and grant licences for individual launch missions.