§ 64. Mrs. Ann Taylorasked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on the operations of her disaster unit since it was set up in July.
§ Mrs. HartMy unit has identified sources of equipment, supplies, transport and certain specialist personnel, and has arranged for a reserve of vehicles to be held in readiness.
It has responded to imediate needs arising from recent disasters in Cyprus, Bangladesh and Honduras, and is involved in planning next year's relief programme in the Sahel.
It monitors reports from all sources about potential disaster situations, is in touch with those conducting research on aspects of disaster relief, and works in close co-operation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of 36W Defence, British voluntary societies and the United Nations Disaster Relief Office.