§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what studies have been undertaken into the feasibility of extending the runway on the British Virgin Islands; what cost is involved; and what action he plans to take.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have not undertaken or commissioned any studies into the feasibility of extending the airport runway on the British Virgin Islands; nor have we been asked or have any plans to do so. We understand that consultants from Israel have undertaken preliminary feasibility studies at the request of and funded by the British Virgin Islands Government and that estimated costs of around US$30 million—£15 million to £20 million—have been mentioned.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recommendations were made in the report he commissioned on education in the British Virgin Islands; what plans he has to implement them; and what funds will be made available for this.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe 1988 education sector review recommended improved access to primary and secondary education through the reorganisation of existing infrastructure and management, with the quality of primary and secondary schooling to be assured through strengthening monitoring systems and increased budget allocations for instructional materials and in-service training. The Overseas Development Administration has assisted with quality improvement through the provision of additional school buildings and equipment linked with staff development for primary and secondary training in-country, in the region and in the United Kingdom.
We have also assisted the British Virgin Islands Government in the formulation of its first five-year 119W development plan for education. Initial Government reaction to the plan has been favourable and we have indicated our willingness to continue to provide further technical assistance in its implementation when the Government have determined their priorities.