§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of supplies to St. Helena by the RMS St. Helena. [112922]
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§ Clare ShortThe RMS St. Helena resumed normal operations on 3 February following the breakdown experienced on 5 November 1999. The ship delivered 720 tonnes of freight to St. Helena on its first scheduled call to the island on 17 February. Alternative arrangements were made to ensure freight delivery continued while the RMS was out of service.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of an airstrip on St. Helena. [112966]
§ Clare ShortI have agreed that my Department will finance a comparative study of air and sea access costs in order to identify the most cost-efficient permanent solution to the island's international passenger and cargo transportation needs. Terms of Reference for the study are currently being prepared and will be agreed with the St. Helena Government. Consultants are expected to start work in the middle of this year.