To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to receive a report from the British Antarctic Survey that the Halley VI station is functioning; and what scientific projects are planned to be carried out there initially. [HL1597]

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have advised that Halley VI is due to be commissioned in the 2011-12 Antarctic season; that is, by February 2012.

Halley VI will continue to undertake long term monitoring activities. In addition, BAS is planning to deploy a new suite of atmospheric chemistry instruments. This science addresses key issues in polar climate, interpretation of ice core chemistry and understanding the carbon cycle in the southern ocean. Work linking energetic particle precipitation, resulting atmospheric chemistry changes and links to atmospheric dynamics will also commence.