§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Lord Privy Seal if any assessment has been made of the damage caused by the recent hurricane in St. Lucia; what support Her Majesty's Government are giving to the St. Lucians at present; what additional support is envisaged; what is the extent of international co-operation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil MartenOur High Commissioner in Barbados visited St. Lucia on 6 August for talks with the Prime Minister and the captain of HMS "Glasgow" to make an assessment of damage and aid needs. The main aid donors are now liaising in Barbados to decide who can best provide the help required.
As regards immediate relief, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 7 August. Our representative in St. Lucia was able to play a leading role in co-ordinating immediate relief assistance. We understand that there is no need at present for further medical assistance and that, apart from the lack of electricity, life in the Castries area is returning to normal. All reports make it clear that HMS 371W "Glasgow" has done a magnificent job and the Prime Minister of St. Lucia has publicly thanked the captain and ship's company for the help they have provided.
British aid to St. Lucia will be available for reconstruction projects. Members of the British development division in the Caribbean will visit the island next week for consulations with the St. Lucia Government.
§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about the effects of the hurricane in St. Lucia, Jamaica. Barbados and St. Vincent and the aid the Government are giving or will give to help these islands.
§ Mr. Neil MartenReports on the effects of the hurricane are still coming in, but it is clear that there has been extensive damage.
As regards immediate help, the position is as follows:
St. Lucia—I refer my hon. Friend to my reply today to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones).
Jamaica—We have had discussions with our Deputy High Commissioner in Kingston and await information on how best we can help.
Barbados—Our understanding is that no immediate external help is being sought.
St. Vincent—We have authorised our High Commission in Barbados to purchase immediate relief supplies locally.
No specific requests have yet been made for help with reconstruction. We shall, of course, consider sympathetically any requests for help of this kind.