asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they and other member states have increased their contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees since 1 January; and, if so, by how much.[HL6680]

Total commitments from the European Community and from EU member states to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in 2006 amount to $200.3 million. This compares with total EU commitments in 2005 of $192 million.

The Department for International Development has fully paid its 2006 contribution to UNRWA of £15 million ($27 million). This will help UNRWA to provide essential services such as education, housing and healthcare for Palestinian refugees.