What recent discussions he has had with the British high commissioner of the Maldives on the political situation in the Maldives.

I spoke to the British high commissioner yesterday to receive an update on the elections. The final results have not yet been announced because of a delay in polling on one of the islands. They are expected on Wednesday 26 January.

Does the Minister have concerns about the allegations of irregularities regarding those elections? It seems a little strange not to allow political parties. Will our Government do everything they can to assist the incoming Government with reconstruction, particularly as regards the tourism industry?

Yes, we are concerned to assist the people of the Maldives as they try to respond to the terrible tsunami that affected that part of the world on 26 December. We are aware of the allegations of vote rigging and intimidation during the elections. That is why we await the outcome of the work being done on these matters by the Commonwealth Secretariat and by SAARC—the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. I look forward to sharing that information in due course if it would be helpful.