§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to collect payment from ex-Soviet fishing operations off South Georgia.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are actively pursuing, with some success, debts owed by vessel owners for the transhipment of their catches off South Georgia. The majority of outstanding debts are owed by vessels of the former Soviet Union.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many landings have occurred in prohibited areas by tourists in South Georgia over the last two years.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThere was one unsubstantiated report during 1992 that a cruise vessel had landed passengers in a prohibited area.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the sources of income for South Georgia for the last three years.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe main sources of income over the last three years have been transhipment fees paid by fishing vessels, port and harbour dues, investment income, money from the sale of stamps and income from tourist charges.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has had about the need for a tourism management plan for South Georgia;
(2) if he will list the detailed requirements for a South Georgia management plan;
(3) when he expects to publish a management plan for South Georgia.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe are studying the case for commissioning a detailed management plan for South Georgia and have received representations about the introduction of such a plan from various interested individuals and groups. Any plan would need to cover a range of issues, including the impact of tourism on the environment of South Georgia. In the light of advice from our environmental advisers we shall examine whether existing legislation should be updated and any further measures which may be necessary.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to introduce a charge for tourist visits to South Georgia.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesDuring 1992, a charge of US$50 per head was introduced for all tourists visiting South Georgia.
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§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to apply for a world heritage listing for South Georgia; and if he will list the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a world heritage listing for South Georgia.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe World Conservation Union is considering which sub-antarctic islands meet the criteria for world heritage listing. We will examine the case for the listing of South Georgia in the light of their recommendations.