§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in providing post-16 education for children in Montserrat. [1306]
§ Clare ShortThe Government of Montserrat manage a programme of post secondary education, through the University of West Indies Distance Learning Centre. The Government of Montserrat are considering how to meet the tuition needs of A-level students in the short term. In the longer term, the Government of Montserrat are planning a new Community College and considering possible funding.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations have been made to the Montserrat Government concerning the withdrawal of benefits from elderly people living with their relatives. [1316]
§ Clare ShortIn February 2000, the Government of Montserrat introduced a means tested social assistance scheme to replace the near-universal food welfare scheme which was made available following the onset of volcanic activity.
262WThe introduction of the scheme has been closely monitored and levels of assistance are kept under review by the Social Welfare Board which includes representatives of the Government of Montserrat and civil society.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessments have been made of volcanic activity and dome buildings in the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat. [1315]
§ Clare ShortThe Montserrat Volcano Observatory's assessment is available weekly through local media and published on their website www.mvomrat.com.
The formal scientific and hazard assessment was last updated in January 2001. It concluded that the volcano had entered into a second period of prolonged dome growth, likely to last for at least the next few years. The risk to the populated areas of the island is considered low, though a shift in the direction of dome growth, towards the north or west, would make the areas bordering the exclusion zones a high risk. A copy of the full scientific assessment has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to encourage tourism in Montserrat. [1314]
§ Clare ShortThe Government of Montserrat are supporting a number of tourism initiatives, including the development of nature trails, assistance to the Montserrat Tourist Board and the development of volcano-linked tourism.