§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) scientists and (b) other Government personnel will list St. Helena in 1998; and for what purposes. [26415]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe only plans we are aware of four visits of scientists to St. Helena in 1998 are a tentative proposal for two scientists from Reading University to442W study the Wirebird; and a party from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds which may visit the Island as part of a project to establish priorities among ornithologically important biodiversity sites in all British Dependent Territories. A veterinary surgeon will visit in March to assist the Island, which has no permanent qualified veterinary personnel.
Four Government officials are visiting St. Helena in January 1998 on an Aid Review Mission. Three other DFID officials plan to visit St. Helena in March to carry work forward on support for the Public Sector Investment Programme. One DFID official is likely to visit St. Helena in November 1998 to monitor aid to the Health Sector. It is possible that two FCO officials may visit the island during 1998 for discussions with the St. Helena Government on operational issues.