§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received concerning the Dervish anti-personnel land mines clearance project. [108617]
§ Clare ShortIn December 1999, we invited proposals for UK based institutions and individuals for consideration under the Humanitarian Mine Action Knowledge Generation and Research Programme. The University of Edinburgh's Department of Mechanical Engineering submitted an application entitled 'Extending Dervish Mine Detonating Vehicle Capability'. All bidders will be assessed later this month.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of methods currently in use for anti-personnel land mines clearance. [108619]
§ Clare Short(a) My Department is funding, at the request of the United Nations, a study which will examine the effectiveness and suitability of existing capabilities in current mine action programmes. We are also funding a review and revision of international mine clearance standards.
(b) We participate in international fora which aim to improve the effectiveness of international mine action. Projects funded bilaterally by DFID are assessed and monitored for effectiveness and safety of methodology and for community benefit.