§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 JuneOfficial Report, column 566, relating to the dismissal of a teacher in St. Helena, if the notification was received from the Governor operating in his personal capacity. [40603]
872W
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThe teacher in question resigned from her post. She was not dismissed. There is therefore no relevance in this case to the Governor's reserved powers.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for how many days in 1996 the Governor of St. Helena has been resident on St. Helena. [40600]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorDuring 1996, the Governor has been resident on St. Helena for the whole year except for 30 days spent travelling to and from St. Helena's dependencies on duty, and 76 days travelling to and from the UK for consultations in London and leave. St. Helena's Chief Secretary was appointed to administer the Government during the Governor's absences.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the figure for unemployment in percentage term on St. Helena at 1 January 1996; what is the latest figure; if he will make a statement. [40601]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThe percentage of people seeking full-time employment at the end of December 1995 was 15 per cent. of the on-island work force. The latest equivalent figure available—for August 1996—is 18 per cent. We are working with the St. Helena Government to develop the island's economy to create new employment opportunities and to alleviate the unemployment situation on St. Helena.