§ 5. Dr. Brian Iddon (Bolton, South-East)If she will make a statement on the future budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. [46869]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes)Additional contributions announced recently, including an extra £1 million from the United Kingdom, substantially reduced the potential shortfall in funding for UNRWA's essential core budget this year. Donors have agreed with UNRWA to monitor the situation closely over the coming months, to support a process of financial and management reform in UNRWA and to work together to resolve longer-term funding problems.
§ Dr. IddonWhen a group of us visited a Palestinian refugee camp on the Gaza strip a few weeks ago, we detected a rise in tensions due to rumours that services might have to be cut because UNRWA had a £12 million budget deficit while the population of the camps had grown by almost 30 per cent. UNRWA is a stabilising force in the region. I am sure that my hon. Friend agrees with that. I congratulate the Government on increasing the budget by £2 million, but will my hon. Friend continue to apply the pressure on other donors at least to maintain the present situation, if not to increase the funding?
§ Mr. FoulkesI was pleased to meet my hon. Friend and a number of our colleagues earlier this week to get a report on their visit. I was able to confirm to him and my colleagues, as I am able to confirm to the House, that we are fully committed to the work of UNRWA and the vital humanitarian role that it plays, but also to its reform and to making it more efficient. The United Kingdom has committed a total of £25 million to Palestine this year, including the Palestine Authority, and we are willing to consider what further we can do to help the people in Palestine.
§ Mr. Nicholas Soames (Mid-Sussex)I warmly support the Minister's reply. Does he agree that there are opportunities for the know-how fund and the way in which it operates to be applied to the Palestinians, who have suffered such appalling treatment at the hands of the Israelis and are deeply deserving of our help?
§ Mr. FoulkesWhat the hon. Gentleman says is wise. The know-how fund, as he knows, extends to the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe, but the methods are applicable elsewhere. We have considered helping Government institutions and the building up of capability in Palestine. I will certainly take further account of the recommendations and suggestions that the hon. Gentleman has made.