§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to(a) the United Nations and (b) the World bank for funds to assist construction projects with the Palestine National Authority.
§ Mr. BaldryWe are in close touch with both the United Nations and the World bank and discuss their programmes and priorities in detail with them. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has planned a number of labour intensive projects and the World bank is funding an emergency rehabilitation programme with the Palestinian authority: both programmes include construction projects.
§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total amount of United Kingdom funds so far(a) pledged and (b) remitted for the purpose of assisting the Palestine National Authority; and to what purpose the funds are directed.
§ Mr. BaldryMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced last year our intention to provide £75 million during 1994–95 to 1996–97 to the Palestinians and in support of the peace process. This includes direct bilateral assistance and aid channelled through multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the European Community.
In 1993–94 we spent £3.3 million from our bilateral country programme, and we expect to spend around £6.4 million in 1994–95. This includes a £3 million contribution for police salaries. Most of the remainder will support a range of projects, in partnership with the Palestinian authority and non-government organisations, in public administration, finance and private enterprise, water and health.
Since the signature of the Israeli-Palestinian declaration of principles in September 1993, the European Commission estimates that it has spent 73 million ecu. Over the same period we have provided £9 million direct to UNRWA.
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§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which specific projects the Overseas Development Administration is involved, or planning to become involved, in the Palestine National Authority.
§ Mr. BaldryA wide range of projects is being implemented or planned in the priority sectors agreed with the Palestinian authority. Information about a number of projects is given in an information folder called "British Aid to the Palestinians", copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Announcements will he made about other significant projects as these are finalised with the Palestinian authority.