§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress towards the construction of an airfield on St. Helena. [142507]
§ Clare ShortA comparative study of the options for sea and air access to St. Helena is currently under way. The team undertaking the work visited the island in mid-October. We expect their draft report by the end of this month. We will then need to discuss the report and its recommendations with the St. Helena Government. The results of the study cannot be prejudged and no presumption can be made that it will lead to support being offered for the provision of an airfield. We hope decisions will be reached in early 2001.