§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid her Department has pledged for immediate relief in the Occupied Territories and for the rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure, originally funded by the Department and the European Union. [111322]
§ Clare ShortLast year, out of a total bilateral expenditure of £15 million, about £8 million was used for relief related activity. In addition we contributed £7 million to UNRWA's emergency appeal for 2002. We expect to spend a similar amount this year.
Infrastructure damage to DFID funded projects has been limited. Where this has occurred we have discussed with our project partners the necessary steps, including additional funding, to ensure projects still meet their objectives. We understand that the European Commission and other member states have taken similar action. The European Union reserves the right to seek compensation from the Israeli authorities.