St. Helena

HC Deb 06 March 2002 vol 381 cc327-8W

11. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on the construction of an airfield on the island of St. Helena. [37325]

Clare Short

A "Comparative Study of Air and Sea Access" was published last July. A copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House. It identified options, which have since been under consideration by the St. Helena Government. As part of that process, the views of the islanders have been sought in a referendum. The outcome was a majority preference in favour of air access, as an alternative to replacing St. Helena's dedicated passenger and supply ship. Island representatives are currently visiting the UK to discuss next steps.