§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he. will respond to the recommendations of the International Development Committee Report on Development Assistance and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. [163916]
§ Hilary BennDFID responded to the recommendations of the International Development Select Committee report into the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza on the 16 March. The IDC will be publishing DFID's response on Tuesday 30 March and copies will be available from the Vote Office.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations he has made to the Israeli Government regarding pollution of water sources in the(a) West Bank and (b) Gaza Strip by Israeli settlements. [163555]
§ Hilary BennDFID is working with the Palestinian Water Authority to help improve the understanding, and protection of the West Bank and Gaza's water resources. This is important in helping to improve access to safe drinking water. Data have shown that pollution of water sources from Palestinian villages and towns is the highest by volume, but pollution from Israeli settlements is higher per capita. The Government have not made any specific representations to the Israeli Government on this matter.
§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the cost of projects funded by the UK directly or through the EU in the Occupied Territories which have been damaged by Israeli military operations; and if he will make a statement. [163646]
§ Hilary BennThe total value of damaged projects funded by the EU (either bilaterally by member States or by the European Commission) is £26.5 million. Approximately one-sixth of this is projects solely funded by the EC. UK bilateral funding is largely technical cooperation. Physical damage caused by Israeli military operations has been minimal, and comprises damage to a few project vehicles.