Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 28 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 November 2005. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 5 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Montserrat

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress the Government are making with its plan to establish in Montserrat a positive population policy which promotes population growth and is sensitive to the social and governance impact.

Answer: With support from DFID and the European Union, the Montserrat Government have made good progress in several areas to promote the retention of the present population and to encourage the return of Montserratians from overseas. It has increased the level of housing and accommodation provision, increased access to good quality education, improved the quality and scope of health provision, improved air access to the island, and is promoting Montserrat as a safe and stable place to live in. The development of a social and economic hub at Little Bay, together with ongoing and planned efforts to stimulate economic growth, should contribute further to the achievement of this goal.

Secondary information