Asked by: Lord Jones (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the amount in remittances sent abroad from the UK in (1) 2018, and (2) 2019.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
Based on available data it is estimated that the UK sent remittances overseas in 2018 totalling $10.4 billion and that in 2019 the estimated total of remittances sent overseas from the UK was $10.5 billion. Recognising the importance of remittance flows to developing countries, the UK, together with the Swiss government, launched a Call to Action in May to highlight and address the significant predicted fall in remittances caused by the COVID-19 crisis. We are working hard to improve the flow of remittances by improving price transparency, supporting digitisation and working across Government to address issues of money transfer operators de-risking.
Asked by: Lord Jones (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
Her Majesty's Government what investigations are taking place with a view to reviewing the effects of the suspended aquifers on the lives of residents on Tristan da Cunha.
Answered by Lord Bates
The Tristan da Cunha Administration is undertaking investigations of the suspended aquifers and the possible impact on the Tristan community. It is considering whether external technical assistance is necessary to assess the situation further. The Administration does not believe there is presently a threat to the Tristan residents.
Asked by: Lord Jones (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
Her Majesty's Government how much it has cost to repair storm damage to Calshot Harbour on Tristan da Cunha from 1987 to date.
Answered by Lord Bates
DFID invested £16.1m to maintain and repair Calshot Harbour in Tristan da Cunha between 2000 and 2016. Financial information prior to 2000 is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost to the taxpayer.