§ Mr. MacDougallTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Government of St. Helena; and if she will make a statement. [43865]
§ Hilary BennMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has had no recent discussions with the Government of St. Helena. DFID officials do have regular contact and last met members of St. Helena's Executive and Legislative Council earlier this month during their visit to the UK to discuss air access.
§ Mr. MacDougallTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid was given to St. Helena in each of the last six years for which figures are available. [43870]
§ Clare ShortExpenditure figures for UK development assistance to St. Helena in each of the last six years for which figures are available were:
£ million Total DFID programme 1995–96 9,267 1996–97 7,990 1997–98 8,765 1998–99 8,805 1999–2000 9,362 2000–01 10,116
§ Mr. MacDougallTo 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. [43871]
§ Clare ShortA "Comparative Study of Air and Sea Access" was published last July. A copy of the report was placed in the House of Commons Library. It identified various 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. The outcome has been a majority preference in favour of possible air access in future, as an alternative to replacing St. Helena's dedicated passenger and supply ship. Island representatives have recently visited the UK to discuss air access and will be reporting their discussions to the St. Helena Government at the beginning of April.