World Health Organisation

HC Deb 20 January 2004 vol 416 c1103W

19. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's contribution to the work of the World Health Organisation. [148803]

Mr. Hutton

The Department of Health is responsible for the United Kingdom's annual subscription to the World Health Organisation. This contribution is based on the United Nation scales of assessment, with the UK contributing—in 2003–04—5.5 per cent. of WHO's regular programme budget, or £13.5 million. In addition the Department supports WHO in practical ways, including secondment of staff, membership of expert committees and work in the formal meetings of the governing bodies of WHO.