§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department has provided to treat or help the victims of Halabja in northern Iraq following the chemical weapons attack by Iraqi military forces on the town in March 1988; what work her Department has funded to monitor the long-term effects of the chemical weapons on the residents of the town since the attack; and if she will make a statement. [53091]
§ Clare ShortWe share the widespread concern for the people of Halabja, who are suffering from the continuing effects of the chemical weapons attack. We have been working with NGOs, other donors and medical experts to determine what best can be done to help. Earlier this year, we funded an initial delivery of basic medical supplies to Halabja. We have also contracted a medical specialist to carry out research into the types of illnesses suffered by the people and possible treatments, with a view to developing immediate and longer term health care programme in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, taking into account the difficulties of working in northern Iraq. Other donors have expressed an interest in providing funding towards such a programme and we continue to liaise with them closely.