§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo 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 PattenRegular 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 BarnesTo 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 PattenUnited 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 BarnesTo 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 PattenWe have already provided financial assistance to United Nations disaster relief organisation for its important disaster prevention and preparedness 55W activities. I am planning to increase this assistance in the context of the forthcoming United Nations international decade for natural disaster reduction.