§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the situation relating to the distribution of food aid in Zimbabwe; and on what development assistance from the United Kingdom is being spent. [28434]
§ Clare ShortThe prospect of food shortages in Zimbabwe has been clear for a long time. NGOs have planned ahead, including purchasing food, and have been operating supplementary feeding programmes since September 2001. DFID has committed £4 million for food and logistics support for programmes run by NGOs. We are monitoring these activities carefully and working with the NGOs and other donors to help ensure their success. We are satisfied that, at present, they are still able to work effectively.
The World Food Programme is now beginning food aid operations in Zimbabwe as a part of the UN Humanitarian Assistance and Recovery Programme. WFP will transport food within Zimbabwe, and will also work through NGOs to deliver food at the community level. DFID has pledged a further £3.5 million to WFP for food and logistics support.