Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure adequate access to and from Ascension Island for (a) civilians and (b) military personnel during the Ascension Island runway resurfacing programme.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with the US Department of Defense, who own and operate the Ascension Island runway, to ensure continued access to the Islands during the runway resurfacing programme. The MOD will ensure during this time that a mechanism is in place for UK Defence personnel to access the island in support of MOD business.

Civilian access is overseen by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ascension Island Government. Access to the island for civilians is currently available through the commercial air link provided by South African Airlink from Cape Town via St Helena.