§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Turkey regarding the recent earthquake in Southern Turkey. [l 12710]
§ Hilary BennDFID's Emergency Response Team was activated within 2 hours of the earthquake and was on standby to assist the Turkish Government should it have been deemed necessary. The Turkish authorities were notified of our willingness to help. In the event the Turkish authorities did not request international assistance.
While the earthquake caused considerable damage to infrastructure in Bingol, sufficient assistance has been provided locally to meet the immediate needs of those affected.