St. Helena

HC Deb 22 November 2000 vol 357 cc187-8W

22. Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she expects to make a decision on providing an airfield on the island of St. Helena. [138126]

Clare Short

A 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 year. We will then 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 to reach decisions in early 2001.