HC Deb 06 June 1989 vol 154 cc54-5W
Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place between the Overseas Development Administration and non-Government agencies concerned with arrangements for disaster relief since the time of the Armenian earthquake; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

Regular meetings, some of which I chair, are held between the Overseas Development Administration and those non-Government organisations concerned with providing disaster and refugee relief. I am planning a review of disaster relief arrangements with non-Government organisations before the summer.

Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the progress that has been made by the United Nations disaster relief organisation in drawing up a register of the assistance available by donor nations to countries facing major disasters.

Mr. Chris Patten

United Nations disaster relief organisation is in the process of drawing up such a register and I understand is in contact with donor Governments.

Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to provide further assistance to the United Nations disaster relief organisation in order to improve its effectiveness.

Mr. Chris Patten

We have already provided financial assistance to United Nations disaster relief organisation for its important disaster prevention and preparedness activities. I am planning to increase this assistance in the context of the forthcoming United Nations international decade for natural disaster reduction.