§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make an announcement on democratic development on Ascension Island. [HL6373]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:The residents of Ascension Island voted overwhelmingly in August this year to establish an Island Council. This was a key step towards a democratic system of government, the first in the island's history. The election of councillors took place on 1 November, and has resulted in a broad cross-section of the island's population being represented on the Island Council. We hope that the Island Council will work closely with the Administrator and the Governor for the long-term benefit of Ascension Island.