HC Deb 15 May 1996 vol 277 cc453-4W
Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who will be representing the Government at the UN conference on human settlements in Istanbul in June; and what new proposals the Government will make to help to ensure that city dwellers in the world's poorest countries have access to adequate housing and clean water. [29275]

Mr. Hanley

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be leading the UK delegation to the UN conference on human settlements—Habitat II—which is to be held in Istanbul over the period 3 to 14 June 1996. He will be accompanied by a broad-based team, which will include representatives from both the aid and diplomatic wings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in addition to senior members of his own Department.

The sectors in which ODA assistance can best help to contribute to sustainable development vary from country to country, depending on needs, what others are doing to tackle these needs, and our capacity to contribute.

On this basis, we are currently planning new projects in urban housing and/or water and sanitation for direct ODA funding in a number of cities in India, China and Nepal. We are also investigating possibilities for assistance in Ghana and Kenya, particularly in urban water supply. In addition, we are planning to extend our current assistance in urban areas in Pakistan and in South Africa. We will also continue to provide support to non-governmental organisations through our joint funding scheme for assistance in these sectors.

Mr. John Battle (Leeds West)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much money Her Majesty's Government has contributed in support of the Angolan Community Rehabilitation and National Reconciliation Programme since its annoucement in September 1995. [29319]

Mr. Hanley

Since June 1993 the UK has committed almost £50 million bilaterally and through the European Commission to Angola. More than £13 million of this has been targeted on priority areas within the Community rehabilitation and national reconciliation programme announced in September 1995. Our ability to do more will depend on the Angolan Government efforts to expedite the peace process and to improve economic management.