To ask Her Majesty's Government in assessing responses to the consultation on an airport for St Helena, what weight they will give to submissions from individuals or organisations who (a) have direct involvement with the island, (b) reside, have resided or wish to return to reside on the island, and (c) have visited the island, against those with no history of interest or involvement in the island.

The Secretary of State for International Development will consider the full range of views expressed through the consultation before making a decision on the most appropriate access option for St Helena in the current economic climate. Those with an interest in access to St Helena, or in the overall use of the Government's development budget, are welcome to submit a response.

The consultation is being conducted in line with the Government Code of Practice on Consultation, and the guidance published by the Better Regulation Executive (Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform). Consultation is not a public vote, but rather a qualitative exercise to seek evidence to help deliver the most effective and efficient policy within the constraints set. All submissions from interested parties will be taken into account and given due weight. A summary of all responses received will be published by 31 October, before the final decision on access to St Helena is made.