§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider their present policy not to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon through their bilateral programme. [HL476]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The UK already provides substantial support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon through our support for UNRWA, to which the UK is the second largest European bilateral donor. A further £50,000 per annum bilateral assistance has been made available for 2000 and 2001 specifically to assist Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The embassy also has at its disposal a number of other DfID and FCO funds available for Lebanese development projects including support for Palestinian refugees, for example DfID's Small Grants Scheme worth circa £150,000 in 1998.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assistance they have provided to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon through United Kingdom and international non-governmental organisations. [HL477]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe provide substantial support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and other host countries, primarily through our support for UNRWA's core budget. Our contribution in 1999 was £8 million, a 33 per cent increase over 1997. In addition, we have made available, through the British Embassy, modest sums for direct bilateral support, and have agreed a further £50,000 for 2000 and 2001.