To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons publicly funded legal representation has not been made available to islanders on St. Helena who are opposed to the building of an airport on the island.

There are no lawyers in private practice in St. Helena, however, the Public Solicitor is required to provide independent legal advice to members of the public. Such advice is provided either free of charge, or subject to contribution under the St. Helena Legal Aid and Advice Ordinance. The Public Solicitor is funded by the Department for International Development.

In addition, local legislation provides for a system of Lay Advocates, whose activities are also publicly funded, and who have access, in appropriate cases, to overseas lawyers.