§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department first made contact with the Pathfinders rescue organisation following the earthquake in Colombia. [69367]
§ Clare ShortMy Department has not been contacted by the Association of Pathfinders in relation to the Colombian earthquake. The International Rescue Corps and RAPID UK, which are partners of the Association of Pathfinders, were in contact with my Department and undertook, independently, search and rescue work in Colombia. Both organisations were facilitated in their efforts in-country by the British Embassy in Bogota.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to assist Colombia following the recent earthquake disaster. [69479]
§ Clare ShortI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 4 February 1999,Official Report,column 723.