HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc57-8W
Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the breakdown of capital investment in Solomon and Company on the Island of St. Helena; and what is the nationality of each group.

Mr. Kershaw

The major shareholders are the St. Helena Government (32,000 shares), the South Atlantic Trading and Investment Company (30,000 shares), which is incorporated in the United Kingdom, and a Mrs. Grant of Douglas, Isle of Man (27,050 shares). With the exception of a Miss Lewis who holds 180 shares, and who lives at Windhoek, South West Africa, the remainder of the total 100,000 shares are divided between persons domiciled in this country or St. Helena.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Nations or any of its agencies are at present supplying food or medicine to the Island of St. Helena.

Mr. Kershaw

The United Nations Children's Fund supplies dried milk powder for free distribution to pregnant and nursing mothers, but not medicines.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Russian ships are allowed to enter the harbour at St. Helena; and how many such dockings took place last year.

Mr. Kershaw

Russian ships visit St. Helena periodically to take on water and supplies in the same way as they visit many other ports throughout the world. Last year three tankers and three research ships called.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now examine the possibility of acquiring on behalf of the British Government and the islanders all the share capital in Solomon and Company on the Island of St. Helena.

Mr. Kershaw

At present 32 per cent. of the shares are held by the St. Helena Government. I do not consider it either necessary or desirable for the British Government to seek a holding in the company.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who carried out the feasibility study for the proposed airfield on the Island of St. Helena; and for whom.

Mr. Kershaw

This study was made by the Department of Trade and Industry in response to a suggestion from the previous Governor.

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