§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance is being provided from(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the EU and (c) UN sources, to assist with rehousing victims of the earthquake in the Quindio region of Colombia on 25 January 1999. [131919]
§ Clare ShortMy Department contributed over £850,000 for immediate emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance—including shelter. But like the United Nations, we have looked to the International Financial Institutions to support longer term reconstruction and rehousing efforts. For example, the World bank provided a loan of nearly £150 million for reconstruction. This is administered by the Colombian authorities and is targeted at supporting the poorest people.
The European Commission also provided over £2 million for emergency relief and longer term rehabilitation assistance—of which the UK share was approximately £300,000.