Montserrat: Volcanic Eruptions

Lord Morris of Manchester
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent talks Ministers have had with the Government of Montserrat; and what account was taken during the talks of the effects of the volcanic eruption there on 20 May and of further volcanic risks. [HL7440]

The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development met the Montserrat Chief Minister for talks in London on 12 September. They discussed the need for additional assistance in the light of the extensive damage caused by volcanic activity on 20 May. He assured the Chief Minister that funding would be made available for rehabilitation work—£200,000 of additional budgetary assistance has been provided by DfID to date and further assistance is being sympathetically considered.