Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) financial, (b) logistical and (c) material assistance his Department (i) has provided since November 2004 and (ii) plans to provide to Merlin for its work in the Manguredjipa area in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) financial, (b) logistical and (c) material assistance his Department (i) has provided since November 2004 and (ii) plans to provide to Merlin for its work in the Manguredjipa area in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [216713] Hilary Benn: We are aware that Merlin is supporting health centres in the Manguredjipa area of North Kivu. During 2003 and 2004, DFID provided £450,000 over 13 months to a Merlin Emergency Health Assistance project for conflict affected populations in Ituri and North Kivu. DFID has committed £17 million of humanitarian assistance to the DRC in this current financial year, including £2 million for a UNICEF Rapid Reaction Fund in Eastern DRC. Future funding will be made available for those interventions that are directed at meeting the most urgent needs and according to established international standards.

Secondary information