§ 77. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what are now the prospects of reinhabiting Tristan da Cunha.
§ Mr. FisherThe officer whom my right hon. Friend sent to report on conditions on Tristan da Cunha has made it clear that a number of things would have to be done to make the island fit for resettlement. In particular the landing beaches have been affected by the flow of lava and some work needs to be done to make them safe and usable.
My right hon. Friend's other main concern has been about the means of livelihood of the islanders if they go back. Some of them will be able to obtain employment in the fishing vessels of the South Atlantic Islands Development Corporation, but the freezing plant, which employed a large number, has been obliterated by the volcano. The company have, however, stated that they intend to set up the plant again, provided the natural features are suitable. They are sending an expert to the island early in the New Year. Meanwhile, it is clear that many of the islanders are determined to return even if it means going back to the old subsistence economy of 15 years ago.
It has been decided to help those who wish to go back to do so, but we must first arrange for an advance party of about a dozen men to make the reception arrangements. They will be accompanied by an administrative officer and a qualified person to help them make the necessary improvements at the beaches, in the settlement and on the tracks between them. I hope that this party will go out in a month or two's time. The others will go back towards the end of next year (during the Tristan summer) 32W when reception arrangements have been completed and the weather will be suitable for the main operation to take place.