HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 c2W
43. Mr. Jacques Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement of Britain's revised capability for responding to international disasters.

Mrs. Chalker

Our new arrangements emphasise the rapid assessment of need and co-ordination of relief. The ODA has established a standing capacity for mounting direct relief operations, sending skilled, trained experts and relief supplies quickly to wherever they may be needed.

This is additional to the support we will continue to give to non-governmental organisations and international agencies.