HC Deb 16 April 1996 vol 275 c389W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the active volcano on the population of Montserrat; and if he will make a statement. [25484]

Mr. Hanley

Assessments of both the eruptive state of the volcano and the effects of the resulting forecasts have been continuous since last July. An ODA mission was in Montserrat last week to reassess needs, following the latest relocation of the people into the north of the island on 3 April. A range of relief actions was agreed with the Governor and the Government of Montserrat and is now being implemented.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources have been made available in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 for emergency relief in Montserrat; and if she will make a statement. [25485]

Mr. Hanley

Relief commitments by Her Majesty's Government totalled £4.5 million in 1995–96. No specific allocations have been made for 1996–97 as future needs cannot yet be foreseen. Discussions will also take place in Brussels this week to encourage support from the European Commission.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Governments of islands neighbouring Montserrat concerning assistance in the event of a volcanic eruption. [25487]

Mr. Hanley

Productive discussions have been held with the Government of Antigua for off-island evacuation; with the French authorities on Guadeloupe for evacuation and for rapid support on Montserrat in time of crisis; with certain Governments with interests and assets in the area, notably the American, Dutch and Venezuelan Governments; and with other Governments through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency.