§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of using the private finance initiative process to secure(a) air access for St. Helena and (b) safe docking facilities for ships calling at St. Helena. [168383]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe Government's position on maintaining access for St. Helena was set out in my Written Statement to the House on 19 April 2004,Official Report, column 1WS. As part of planned feasibility and other investigatory work, the possibility of a private finance initiative will be included among options that will be considered.
949WThe position regarding docking facilities for ships in St. Helena is different. At present as the hon. Member will know from his own visit to the island last year, visiting ships anchor in Jamestown Bay and all passengers and cargo are transferred in smaller craft to and from the wharf. In recognition of St. Helena's continuing concern over these arrangements, we have agreed to support further investigatory work to review the options for improving them. The St. Helena Government is preparing terms of reference. We cannot yet speculate on whether a private finance initiative might or might not have a role in any solution that eventually may prove to be technically and financially acceptable.