HC Deb 21 July 1978 vol 954 cc446-8W
Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total expenditure from the date of acquisition by Her Majesty's Government on the refit of the merchant ship "St. Helena".

Mr. Rowlands

The cost of converting the vessel, which will shortly be renamed the RMV "St. Helena", as at 14th July was £1,156,844. The estimated total cost of conversion is £1,200,000, of which the owners of the vessel, the United International Bank, are paying £850,000 and the Government of St. Helena £350,000. British aid to St. Helena is being increased to cover the latter payment.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the cost of purchase of the merchant ship "St. Helena" by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Rowlands

The "Northland Prince", shortly to be renamed the RMV "St. Helena", was purchased by the United International Bank at a cost of approximately £800,000. It is being leased to the Government of St. Helena.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what expenditure has been incurred by Her Majesty's Government on moving the "St. Helena" from Vancouver to Southampton.

Mr. Rowlands

The net cost to the St. Helena Government of sailing the vessel, shortly to be renamed RMV "St. Helena", from Vancouver, where she was laid up, to Southampton was £68,024. This figure is subject to final audit. British budgetary aid to St. Helena was increased by this amount.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what expenditure has been incurred by Her Majesty's Government on the proving voyage of the "St. Helena" to and from Capetown via St. Helena.

Mr. Rowlands

The net cost to the St. Helena Government of the proving voyage of the vessel shortly to be renamed RMV "St. Helena" was £77,496. This figure is subject to final audit. British budgetary aid to St. Helena was increased by this amount.

Forward to