§ 16. Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department will provide for a sustainable development plan for Montserrat; and if she will make a statement on its implementation. [46881]
§ Clare ShortAgreement has been reached between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Montserrat on a draft text which is now being made available for 207W public consultation. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. I hope that agreement can be reached on the final version by August. My Department will make available up to a further £75 million over the next three years to support the Plan. The scale of this pledge reflects the devastation to the island and the constraints imposed on the private sector by the continuing uncertainty about the volcano. If the volcano enters a permanent state of repose many of these constraints would be lifted, enabling the people of Montserrat to take greater responsibility for their livelihoods, and the private sector to take a greater role in rebuilding the island.
§ 25. Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's responsibility for Montserrat. [46890]
§ Clare ShortMy Department is responsible for delivering the Government's emergency and development assistance programmes to Montserrat. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's overall relations with Montserrat.