§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has made in the past three weeks to the European Commission about its aid programme for Kosovar refugees. [83966]
§ Clare ShortWe are in close contact with the Commission over its assistance programmes for the Kosovo refugees, both in Brussels and in the region. A Department for International Development representative attended the Humanitarian Aid Committee meeting on 7 May, which approved proposals from the EC Humanitarian Office for the allocation of a further 150 million euros of humanitarian assistance, in addition216W to the 32 million euros already allocated. We are pressing to ensure that those funds are disbursed quickly. We have also spoken with the Commission about the need to accelerate its planning for refugee return.