asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vadera on 10 October 2007 (WA 16), what discussions they have had with the European Commission since October 2007 about providing support for health, water and sanitation in North Korea. [HL2526]

Informal discussions were held with representatives of the Directorate-General for Humanitarian Affairs and AidCo on 13 November in Pyongyang. The overall position on EU assistance to North Korea remains as set out in the Answer provided by my noble friend Baroness Vadera on 10 October 2007 (Official Report, col. WA 16).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When Government officials last visited North Korea; and what was their assessment of the humanitarian situation and current levels of aid provided. [HL2527]

The last visit by a Government official to North Korea to look at humanitarian aid was in November 2007. No general assessment of the humanitarian situation was made on the visit. The primary purpose of the trip was familiarisation with the work of European non-governmental organisations in providing health and water supply services.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vadera on 15 October 2007 (WA 36), what funds have since become available under the “non-state actors and local authorities in development thematic programmes” budget line for North Korea. [HL2529]

In principle, €500,000 has been allocated to North Korea under this budget line.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have held with aid agencies about providing support for water and sanitation programmes in North Korea. [HL2542]

Department for International Development (DfID) officials are considering a proposal from UNICEF for a water supply project. If it is approved, funds will come from the budget for humanitarian assistance.