HC Deb 30 November 1999 vol 340 cc115-6W
Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement concerning progress made on the extension of the jetty to form a breakwater in Jamestown Harbour, St. Helena. [100119]

Mr. Foulkes

The St. Helena Government is presently finalising proposals for a Wharf Improvement Project, including construction of a breakwater. The bulk of the project is expected to be financed from the European Development Fund (EDF). We have advised both the European Commission and the St. Helena Government that we will support the project when it is considered by the EDF Committee. We are also considering the Department for International Development's proposed contribution to the project.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement concerning the breakdown of the RMS St. Helena and the future arrangements for transportation of goods and people to and from St. Helena, Ascension Island and the United Kingdom. [100118]

Mr. Foulkes

The RMS St. Helena suffered a failure of its starboard main engine on 5 November on its way from Cardiff to the south Atlantic. Technical investigation indicated major repairs were required. The ship is expected to be out of service until 10 February. The operators took immediate action to ensure RMS St. Helena's commitments could be met. Its cargo departed from Brest on 27 November and will arrive at St. Helena on 16 December. Parallel arrangements have been made for the delivery of cargo from Cape Town to arrive at St. Helena on 3 December. The schedule for an interim passenger service, with a first arrival date in St. Helena of 19 December, was published on 26 November.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will estimate the costs of consultants' reports for proposed schemes on the Island of St. Helena in each year since 1995. [100117]

Mr. Foulkes

The total value of consultancy contracts entered into for the provision of advice to the Government of St. Helena for each year since 1995 is as follows:

£
1995 88,104
1996 97,833
1997 400,490
1998 188,238
1999 46,522

These figures do not include the value of contracts entered into for the provision of practical support or for the implementation of projects, eg medical personnel, nurse and teacher training, and construction design/supervision.

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