Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support the Government provides for landmine clearance in former war zones; and if she will make a statement.

The UK spent £13,000,000 on humanitarian mine action in the financial year 2013/14. The highest levels of spend were in Afghanistan (£1.7m), Iraq (£1.7m), Somalia (£1.4m), Sri Lanka (£1.5m) and Cambodia (£1.4m). The government has allocated £30m for Mine Action work for 2014-17.

The threat from landmines and explosive remnants of war prevents people from using agricultural land and accessing essential services, such as health and education, hampers freedom of movement, prevents the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons and refugees and obstructs the delivery of humanitarian aid. For over 20 years, the UK has supported some of the poorest countries around the world to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war after conflict.