HC Deb 05 February 1993 vol 218 c367W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to encourage the United Nations to co-ordinate international assistance to areas affected by famine and natural disasters more effectively.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We encourage greater co-ordination of international humanitarian assistance in all fora of the United Nations, including the governing bodies of the various agencies concerned. Specifically we initiated the proposal which led to General Assembly resolution 46/182 and the formation of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs in April 1992. We will continue to support the efforts of that Department to ensure good co-ordination, more effective responses to the victims' needs and better value for money.