Written question asked by Lord Robathan (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 July 1997. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 July 1997 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: What support her Department gives to organisations clearing mines. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Miss Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to de-mining organisations. [8379] Mr. Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department gives to organisations clearing mines. [8380] Clare Short: The UK has committed over £31 million--including our share of European Community programmes--to humanitarian mine clearance activities since 1991. Our current projects focus on the needs of vulnerable communities in the poorest and most severely affected countries. Resources are channelled through specialise non-governmental organisations and UN agencies. We are supporting efforts to speed up detection and clearance through improved technology but maintaining the high standards of reliability and safety required for humanitarian demining. We also support capacity building for national and community-based demining activities to increase levels of participation in affected countries.

Secondary information