asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they intend to make to the people of Ascension about effective governance and democratic representation when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn MP, visits the island on 3 January 2008. [HL1042]

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Meg Munn, met with representatives of the employing organisations, private sector and former councillors on her visit to Ascension Island on 3 January 2008. She reinforced the Government's hope that those working and living on the island would re-engage with the democratic process. A number of views were expressed by the representatives as to how the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ought to take that process forward. Those views will be taken into account. The public consultation on the future of the Island Council was launched by the then governor, Michael Clancy, in October 2007 and is continuing.