VOLUNTARY SERVICE OVERSEAS

Early day motion 793, tabled 5 June 2000 by Mike Gapes (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 69 members.

That this House congratulates Voluntary Service Overseas on its efforts to tackle global disadvantage for over 40 years by sending volunteers to work all over the world; notes that VSO is currently supporting 2000 volunteers aged 17 to 70 drawn from almost every parliamentary constituency who share their skills in 74 of the world's poorest countries; takes note of VSO's latest work including new partnerships to encourage secondments from business and local authorities, international teams of young people tackling social exclusion in the United Kingdom and programmes involving volunteers from developing countries; endorses the forthcoming campaign to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis engulfing Southern Africa where, over the next three years, VSO will be sending 700 volunteers to support the preventative work of local employers and communities in the region while encouraging the Government and industry in the United Kingdom to support better access to medical treatment for associated infections; and welcomes the recognition of the work of VSO at a reception in the Jubilee Room.

Signatures by party: Labour 43, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 1, Unknown 1.