§ 43. Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about the Government's response to the worsening food situation in Tanzania.
§ Mr. Neil MartenWe are supporting proposals for supplementary allocations of European Community food aid. We shall continue to monitor the situation closely.
§ Mr. BarnettI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. But given that European food aid should be effective, what representations has the right hon. Gentleman made to the Council of Ministers about reports of a scandalous situation in which European food firms are making profits at the expense of the Third world?
§ Mr. MartenI have made no representations to the Commission, but I shall certainly consider that point.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonTo what extent does my right hon. Friend feel that the worsening food situation in Tanzania is due to its political system?
§ Mr. MartenUp to a point it can be said to be an internal matter for the Tanzanian Government. However, they are entitled to approach the International Monetary 18 Fund for the food facility within the compensatory financing scheme. As they are not yet in agreement with the IMF, they cannot make use of that facility, although it would be helpful.