§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 1999,Official Report, column 115, what is the latest position regarding the possible lease of Sombrero Island for the purpose of launching commercial satellites. [94800]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonOfficials from the British National Space Centre remain in contact with the Government of Anguilla providing technical advice and assistance on the outer space aspects of the request by the US company Beal Aerospace to lease Sombrero Island for the purpose of launching commercial satellites. Officials are also helping the Anguillans to assess the probable environmental consequences of the proposed activity. ICF Kaizer have conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment on behalf of Beal and a Planning Inspector has been appointed to advise the Anguillan Government. It is hoped that a public consultation with interested parties will soon be conducted.