Aid For The Virgin Islands

EDM number 563 in 1991-92, proposed by Brian Sedgemore on 27/01/1992.

That this House notes the decision of the British Government to write-off the debts of the failed Anegada and Wickhams Cay tourist developments in the Virgin Islands; notes that these write-off follows the failure of the Islands' Government to make repayments for 20 years on a loan authorised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; notes the role played by Mr Ken Bates, Chairman of Chelsea Football Club and close associate of leading members of the Conservative Party; notes that Mr Bates is alleged to have secured a substantial tax advantage for the development of the original project in question; questions on what basis the British Government has felt able to write-off over three and half million pounds on a project, the beneficiaries of which would have been luxury yacht-owners; questions the Government's aid priorities in allocating funds to projects of such a nature, for the development of a playground for Hollywood stars, royalty and millionaire entrepreneurs; and questions the Overseas Development Administration as to whether investment in the transport infrastructure would have been of more benefit to the Islands economy.

This motion has been signed by a total of 35 MPs.