§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of his Department's budget will be directed to St. Helena in 2004–05; and if he will make a statement. [163530]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID's assistance to St. Helena in the coming Financial Year, as part of a new three-year package, will be discussed with the island Government in St. Helena next month. DFID provisionally expect to disburse around £11 million in the present Financial Year, representing under 1 per cent. of total DFID expenditure. This includes funding, which we intend to maintain, in support of the island's annual recurrent budget and dedicated shipping service.