HC Deb 18 March 1998 vol 308 cc615-6W
Sir Alastair Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for international Development how much her Department expects to spend on bilateral emergency assistance in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 and in respect of how many countries this expenditure will be incurred. [34976]

Clare Short

In 1997–98 we estimate that expenditure on bilateral emergency aid will be around £65 million. Over 60 countries have received assistance. Provision for 1998–99 is currently being considered within the Department's resource allocation round.

Details of bilateral emergency aid are published each year in the British Aid Statistics. The next issue, which will include final expenditure figures for 1997–98, is due for publication in December 1998. Copies will be made available to the Libraries of both Houses.

Sir Alastair Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department expects to spend in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 through NGOs to alleviate suffering in respect of disaster, refugee and emergency situations. [34971]

Clare Short

In 1997–98 we estimate that expenditure on bilateral emergency aid will be around £65 million. Although we are unable to say currently how much of that will be spent through particular channels, over the previous three years around a fifth of bilateral emergency aid has been channelled through NGOs. Provision for 1998–99 is currently being considered within the Department's resource allocation round.