HC Deb 12 May 1999 vol 331 cc160-1W
12. Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she is evaluating for a reconstruction and development package for Balkan countries following the cessation of hostilities. [82961]

Clare Short

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier this afternoon to my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell),Official Report, column 303.

18. Mr. Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement concerning UK assistance to Kosovar refugees. [82968]

25. Mr. Lock

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of emergency aid to Kosovo. [82975]

Clare Short

On his recent visit to Macedonia, the Prime Minister announced an increase in British humanitarian assistance to £40 million. This is being spent on relief supplies, logistics, humanitarian experts, medical care, shelter and services in camps, information provision, and family reunification. UK objectives remain to save lives, protect the rights of refugees, encourage tolerance in host countries towards refugees, to plan for new contingencies, including access to Kosovo when the security situation allows, and to plan for refugee return.

22. Kali Mountford

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's response to the needs of Kosovar refugees in(a) Macedonia, (b) Albania and (c) Montenegro. [82972]

Clare Short

We have allocated £40 million since March in response to the needs of Kosovar refugees on relief supplies, logistics, humanitarian experts, medical care, shelter and services in camps, information provision, and family reunification.

Our objectives are to save lives and reduce suffering, protect the rights of refugees, encourage tolerance in host countries, and to plan for new contingencies, including the return of the refugees to Kosovo.

Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the preparations being made to provide assistance to Kosovar refugees over the winter. [82965]

Clare Short

Shelter and heating will be key issues for refugees during the cold weather, after their return to Kosovo and also for those who remain in neighbouring states. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is responsible for refugee care in this and other areas. We have offered assistance to UNHCR to help make contingency preparation for future refugee needs, and are ready to respond to requests.