§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what policies he intends to pursue to(a) halt and (b) reverse the decline in population on St. Helena. [174756]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe decline in the island's population, and the problems associated with it, featured prominently in the recent discussions in St. Helena between the island government and a joint DFID/FCO mission. DFID is working with the St. Helenian authorities to address the causes and impacts. For example, a fiscal review is planned with the aim of stimulating growth in the island's private sector and encouraging inward investment. Measures have been introduced to offer some public service appointments on enhanced terms to encourage St. Helenians to stay in St. Helena or return there. DFID is also reviewing options for future physical access to and from the island.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will assess the cost of maintaining St. Helena over the next 10 years. [174760]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID cannot make this assessment, as it would depend on a range of factors including major investment decisions, which we expect to address later this year, on future physical access arrangements. The background to this was reported in my written statement on 19 April 2004Official Report, column 1WS. In addition, our assistance to St. Helena is set normally in three-year cycles which are negotiated with the island government in the light of anticipated needs and resources available. Discussions have taken place recently with the St. Helena authorities about our assistance for the island over the period 2004–05–2006–07 inclusive. I expect to report on those discussions shortly.
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