Written question asked by John Austin (Labour) on Monday, 22 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 January 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 29 January 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Middle East

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) the UN and (b) other agencies on the situation of (i) the Palestinian community living in Iraq and (ii) those Palestinians who have been displaced or fled from Iraq; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not discussed the situation of the Palestinian community in Iraq with the UN or other agencies. However, the Government are concerned about the unacceptable number of internally displaced people and refugees in Iraq and is closely monitoring the situation.We are working with coalition forces and international organisations to ensure that those affected are protected and that their basic needs are met, and have just announced a £4 million contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance, including water, medical supplies and rehabilitation of health infrastructure. We are also in regular contact with the Government of Iraq as they develop their response to the humanitarian situation in Iraq.

Secondary information