To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely long-term contribution to the Middle East peace process of the Annapolis conference; and what progress has been made in the peace process since the conference took place. (175663)

The parties to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute confirmed in Annapolis their agreement to engage in vigorous and continuous negotiations and to make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008.

We believe that Annapolis offers a genuine opportunity to make progress in the Middle East peace process.

However, there are always difficulties to overcome. But the Paris conference, on 17 December 2007 helped to raise international pledges of more than US$7 billion for the occupied Palestinian territories. As such, it represents a significant contribution to the peace process. It confirmed the unequivocal political support and commitment of international partners, including Arab countries, to support the economic development of the future Palestinian state.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2007, Official Report, columns 161-2W, on Middle East: peace negotiations, how much has been spent on the (a) salaries, (b) travel costs and (c) other costs of the four members of staff who have been seconded to Mr Blair’s team. (176080)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has seconded: one Executive Officer equivalent; one Higher Executive Officer equivalent; and one Senior Civil Servant equivalent to work in the right hon. Tony Blair’s office. The FCO is funding their salaries. The Department for International Development has seconded one Principal Officer—grade six and is funding this salary, allowances and accommodation costs. It would not be appropriate to give salary details as to do so could reveal individuals’ salaries.

Neither the FCO nor the Department for International Development is responsible for ongoing travel or incidental costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2007, Official Report, column 162W, on Middle East: peace negotiations, if he will request the European Union to seek the publishing by the Quartet of details of Mr Blair’s team, costs and funding. (176081)

The Government understand that the European Commission has provided €5 million to the UN Development Programme Trust Fund that inter alia supports the Quartet Representative’s mission. It will be a matter for the Quartet to determine whether to publish details of Mr. Blair’s team, costs and funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2007, Official Report, columns 161-2W, on Middle East: peace negotiations, how much is available in the UN Development Programme Trust Fund; and what further sums the UK will be providing to the fund in the next 12 months. (176156)

The Government understand that the European Commission has provided €5 million to the UN Development Programme Trust Fund that inter alia supports the Quartet Representative’s mission. The UK provided £400,000 to the UN Development Programme Trust Fund on 3 December 2007. The Government have no plans to provide further support at present but will keep under close review how they can best support Mr. Blair’s work.