§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what action the Government are taking to minimise hypothermia in the Balkans during the winter. [100090]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 26 November 1999]: The impact of the Balkan winter is likely to be the harshest in Kosovo, where 100,000 houses were severely damaged or destroyed during the conflict. The Department for International Development (DFID) aims to complement shelter initiatives being carried out by other donors by rehabilitating utilities, especially power and water supplies, before the weather becomes too severe.
The electrical distribution system (100KV) sustained considerable war damage and is the focus of DFID's attention. Other donors are working on the 220KV and 440KV transmission systems. Our aim is to help the local authorities with the supply of equipment and technical 16W advice on the electrical distribution system throughout Kosovo. A British management team, jointly funded by the EU Task Force and British Trade International (BTI), is currently working with the EU Task Force, UNMIK and the Kosovo Electric Company, to manage the overall power situation in Kosovo. Specific funding from DFID and BTI is ensuring the continued supply of coal to the Kosovo power stations.
Additionally, DFID has committed £3 million to carry out emergency works to Pristina airport to keep it operational throughout the winter. The airport is a crucial alternative supply route to the congested Blace border crossing.
In Serbia heating assistance is being targeted on vulnerable groups by the international agencies such as UNHCR and the European Commission's Humanitarian Office (ECHO). ECHO's assistance to Serbia and Montenegro since May 1999 amounts to 26.6 million euros, of which the UK has contributed approximately 15 per cent.