§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent developments there have been following the volcanic eruption in Montserrat; and what further action has been or is being taken. [HL4055]
§ The Secretary of State for International Development (Baroness Amos)Serious volcanic ashing has affected much of the island, causing damage to infrastructure and harm to crops and the island ecosystem. We have set aside up to £1.5 million for immediate emergency purposes, including a major ash clearance operation that is now being co-ordinated by the Government of Montserrat. Since Saturday 19 July parts of the exclusion zone around the fringes of the Belham Valley have been opened during the daylight hours (6.00 am to 6.00 pm) for those owning property in those areas.14WA We will continue to keep the situation under close review.