§ Mr. EnnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards establishing a fully civilian presence on South Georgia. [153210]
§ Mr. BattleIn 1998 the Government announced their intention to establish a fully civilian presence on South Georgia. From the end of March, the small military detachment will be withdrawn. The Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the Commander British Forces, based in the Falkland Islands, 281W will continue to have responsibility for ensuring the security of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
At the same time, the British Antarctic Survey will be opening a new scientific base on South Georgia. The scientific and support team will augment the existing civilian presence on the island. New accommodation and science facilities have been built. BAS will undertake a programme of scientific research, under contract to the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The aim will be to support the Government in environmental management and sustainable development of the Territory.
The opening of this new facility, with funding from the British Government, the Government of the Falkland Islands and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands demonstrates our commitment to the Overseas Territories, in accordance with the Overseas Territories White Paper 1999, in particular to sound environmental management of a territory with a unique and sensitive ecosystem.
Our commitment to the maintenance of British sovereignty over South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and to ensuring their security, remains as firm as ever.