§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the progress of the emergency relief operation in the countries affected by Hurricane Mitch. [61417]
§ Clare ShortThe immediate life-saving phase of the emergency operation is over. However, there are continuing relief needs. We are helping with the response as part of the internationally co-ordinated relief effort. Our contribution to date has been well received.
We will continue to monitor closely the situation in the region through our Embassies and the United Nations. We are also keeping in touch with the UK based representatives of those countries affected by Hurricane Mitch and with the non-governmental organisations providing assistance. I have sent an expert team from my Department to the region to review the relief effort and consider what further support we might provide for continuing emergency assistance. They will report back to me later this week.
The needs of the region for immediate and medium-term reconstruction will be discussed at an emergency Consultative Group meeting, convened by the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington on 10–11 December, involving all the key donors, both multilateral and bilateral. My Department will be represented. We are currently considering how to refocus our development assistance programme for Central America to address the needs of recovery and reconstruction.