HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c18
43. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit recipient countries during the summer adjournment.

Mr. Raison

Neither my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State nor I have any firm plans at present for visits to aid recipients during the recess.

Mr. Kirkwood

With regard to what the Minister said earlier about the Government's plans to finance aid to Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mozambique and other areas that are affected by drought, can I tempt him to spend his summer recess in the deserts of north-east Africa? The problem will obviously be worse during the summer and it would be advantageous to have a first-hand report from the Minister on his return.

Mr. Raison

I have made clear to the House on a number of occasions, including earlier this afternoon, the great seriousness with which I view the problems that afflict Africa at present. The hon. Gentleman can rest assured that my Department will do all it can to contribute towards a solution.