§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is being provided to(a) agencies involved in demining and (b) the victims of land mines; and if he will make a statement. [27697]
§ Mr. HanleySince April 1993, the ODA has funded mine clearing operations totalling nearly £17 million, including the UK share of European Community-funded projects. Details of these commitments have been placed in the Library of the House.
We recognise the need for both post-trauma and longer-term assistance to land mine victims. We support medical care and rehabilitation through contributions to the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. Longer-term needs to promote self-help and economic independence are addressed through country development programmes.