§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial commitments are planned for St. Helena. [170216]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID will continue to maintain substantial support for St. Helena. This will include budgetary assistance, to include a subsidy for the island's shipping service, plus funding for various development projects and the filling of key posts. A joint DFID/FCO team is currently visiting the island to negotiate proposals for our assistance over the three-year UK period 2004–05 to 2006–07. In addition, as I reported in a written statement to this House on 19 April 2004,Official Report, column 1WS, DFID is exploring options for maintaining future access arrangements.