HC Deb 11 June 1997 vol 295 cc463-4W
Mr. Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance was given by Her Majesty's Government to the Laotian Government for clearance of unexploded bombs in each of the last three years. [2971]

Clare Short

We have not provided any bilateral support to the Laotian Government for the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, we have contributed over £543,000 in 1995–96 through United Nations and British NGO programmes for UXO clearance and community awareness activities in Xieng Khouang province and capacity building for the newly formed Lao National UXO Programme. In 1996ߝ97 we gave a further £148,000 to Xieng Khouang project.

Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the casualty rates arising from unexploded bombs in Laos; and if he will make a statement. [2970]

Clare Short

No official data are currently available on casualty rates from unexploded ordnance in Laos.