My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for International Development (Douglas Alexander) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

I announced on 8 December 2008 a pause in negotiations over the St Helena Airport contract. Having reviewed the situation in the light of the current global economic climate, I have decided to hold a consultation on options for access to the island. DfID will issue a consultation document in early April. Any interested parties will be invited to submit their views. The Government of St Helena and relevant commercial parties have been advised of the situation and will be kept updated.