§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total sum spent on emergency relief in Montserrat in the last year; and if he will make a statement on forthcoming assistance in the next six months. [40845]
Dr. FoxSince July 1995, when the volcanic emergency on Montserrat began, we have committed £8.5 million on a wide variety of projects, many of which are ongoing.
1117WIn August this year, my right hon. and noble Friend, Baroness Chalker, announced an additional £25 million package of assistance to Montserrat covering the period from April 1996 to March 1998. These funds will be used to maintain essential Government services in Montserrat and to improve the infrastructure in the North of the island which the scientists regard as at minimal risk from volcanic hazard. Specific projects include upgrading and temporary hospital facilities, additional classrooms for primary and secondary school children, power generation, water distribution and watershed protection, the improvement of roads, alternative port facilities and the establishment of a permanent observatory to monitor volcanic activity. Copies of the announcement and background note have been laid in the Libraries of both Houses. The permanent secretary of the Overseas Development Administration visited Montserrat on 4 and 5 October to review progress.
I pay tribute to the remarkable courage and forbearance of the people of Montserrat who had to endure difficult and stressful conditions for many months because of the volcanic activity.