§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the annual amount of their contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees in the Near East; whether it is fully paid; and whether they will list the states currently in arrears with amounts in each case. [HL700]
§ Baroness AmosWe have steadily increased our contributions to UNRWA's general fund, from £6 million in 1997 to £9.5 million in 2000, to reflect our increased confidence in UNRWA's governance and the rising numbers of refugees. In addition we have made further contributions, totalling £8 million, in 2000 to help cover UNRWA's budget deficit and to support the emergency appeal during the recent conflict. We also provide substantial technical assistance, to a value of £700,000 in 2000. Funding is voluntary, rather than by assessed contributions, and as such there are no arrears. UNRWA is likely to face a budget deficit again this year and we have supported the agency's efforts to widen the donor base and have urged existing donors to maintain, and increase, their annual contributions.