§ 18. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made at the United Nations by the United Kingdom delegate to improve the United Nation's ability to assist with disaster relief.
§ Mr. AmeryBritain played a major part in the establishment last year of the office of a UN disaster relief co-ordinator.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonCan we offer either finance or relief supplies to the United Nations relief co-ordinator, or to the United Nations development programme?
§ Mr. AmeryOur experience has been that it is better to proceed ad hoc on these matters. There is no great difficulty about assembling supplies. Difficulties usually arise in distribution and transport.
§ Mr. PavittDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall that the Inter-Parliamentary Union, on the initiative of the United Kingdom delegation, put forward a strong resolution, which was subsequently adopted by the United Nations, about 24-hour first-aid relief? What has happened about that? Has the scheme of computerisation for immediate relief been achieved?
§ Mr. AmeryAll these matters are being studied at present by the coordinator, who has three functions: first, to act as a focal point for the co-ordination of relief; secondly, to act as a clearing house for information; thirdly, to stimulate pre-disaster planning in countries that are subject to earthquakes and other likelihoods of disaster.