§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are supporting both bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure adequate resources for the long-term rehabilitation of Orissa. [HL229]
§ Baroness AmosThe Department for International Development (DFID) has a substantial long-term programme in Orissa, which is one of DFID's four partner states in India. DFID has also committed £3.1 million towards immediate emergency needs following the cyclone.
DFID is urgently considering its contribution to rehabilitation efforts and is in close contact with the World Bank, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other UN bodies who are considering contributions. Following a recent assessment mission, DFID if focusing on proposals in health, education, irrigation and rural livelihoods. The main criterion for settling priorities has been to maximise impact for the poorest.