HC Deb 20 July 1987 vol 120 c23W
75. Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's support for the international year of shelter for the homeless.

Mr. Chris Patten

To mark the year the Government have made special financial contributions to the relevant United Nations special fund and to support the British IYSH Trust.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom investment in the United Nations international year of shelter for the homeless; what new grants for shelter-related projects he has announced in 1987; and what percentage of his Department's budget has gone on aid to shelter-related projects in each year from 1977.

Mr. Chris Patten

To mark the year the Government are contributing £70,000 to the special fund run by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements which supports the shelter programme. We have similar contributions in mind in future years. In addition, the Government have made £44,000 available this year to help meet the costs of the British IYSH Trust. We are also financing the publication of three books—an "Urban Projects Manual", "Shanty Upgrading", and "Housing and Culture after Earthquakes"—providing valuable guidance in these fields for developing countries.

Information on grants and on the percentage of the budget spent on shelter-related projects is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.