§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are considering reducing education, health and welfare aid to Palestinians, given that 62 per cent of such services are provided by non-governmental organisations without secure revenues. [HL3045]
§ The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)DfID will continue to provide substantial support for Palestinian education, health and welfare. Funds are channelled through the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, and non-governmental organisations. All have an important role in Palestinian development. The Government's strategy for support to Palestinians aims to help the Palestinian Authority to be responsible for a larger percentage of services itself. Total budgeted expenditure for the current financial year of £26.5 million is £2 million more than the originally budgeted expenditure for the previous year. The Secretary of State for International Development announced at the weekend an additional £2 million to help meet the immediate needs of the people of Rafah.