§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
By what percentage the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' budget has been reduced this year, and whether, in the light of the increasing need for the services of the commission, they will consult with the other members of the Twelve with a view to raising the contribution of Europe as a whole so that at least the resources available are maintained.
§ Lord ReayThe 1991 budget proposed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is some 355 million US dollars. This was approved by the executive committee and represents an increase of more than 4 per cent. on the 1990 budget of 341 million dollars. In addition to this latter sum 38 million dollars had to be raised in 1990 to cover the 1989 financing deficit.
The UK is and will continue to be a strong supporter of UNHCR's work and is usually in the top five contributors. In 1990 we contributed almost £20 million and we anticipate that our contribution for 1991 will at least match that sum. The European Community provided more than 65 million dollars during 1990, of which the UK share amounts to over a further £6.5 million. We will continue to work with the other members of the Twelve within the UNHCR executive committee to ensure that the organisation is properly funded.