§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial help has been and is now being given to the people of Montserrat in relation to problems associated with increased volcanic activity in the dependency; what assessment he has made of its adequacy; what further help is being considered; and if he will make a statement. [16975]
§ Mr. HanleyThrough the official aid programme, the Government have committed £4.6 million since July 1995 to problems raised by the volcanic emergency. A list of the main elements of this continuing programme has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Monitoring and assessment of the existing funding is continuous through the governor's office, which is assisted by a full-time ODA consultant on Montserrat and visits from the regional office in Barbados. Further funds are available if necessary.
§ Mr. MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have given up their homes in Montserrat and left for Antigua and elsewhere due to increased volcanic activity on the island; what contingency plans have been made for dealing with the worsening of the situation; and if he will make a statement. [16976]
§ Mr. HanleyIt is estimated that up to 1,000 Montserratians are now off the island. Most are working elsewhere in the Caribbean. There are no figures on the number of households involved. A range of plans for differing situations have been formulated. The lessons learnt from two recent evacuations into the northern safe zone are influencing continuing preparations for any third such event. Thanks to the co-operation of the Government of Antigua, facilities exist on Antigua should evacuation of Montserrat be necessary.