HC Deb 14 January 1985 vol 71 cc18-9
62. Mr. Stuart Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has called on the Ethiopian Government to negotiate safe passage with the liberation fronts in Eritrea and Tigre to ensure the distribution of food aid to those areas.

Mr. Raison

It would not be realistic or appropriate to expect the Ethiopian Government to negotiate with rebel movements in ways that might involve recognition of their claims. We have asked the Ethiopian Government on several occasions to ensure that food and other relief supplies reach all areas of the country. For some areas that is carried out most effectively by the voluntary agencies.

Mr. Holland

Surely the Minister is aware that the situation in key food distribution areas such as Makale is getting worse, not better, and that dozens of children are dying each day in such distribution centres, as many British people saw last week on television. The Minister has been to Makale and knows the problem there. The Government do not control the surrounding areas—the drought areas. Why is it inappropriate for the right hon. Gentleman to bring pressure on the Government? If he does not do so, or does not get the Council of Ministers of the EC to do so, there will be tens of thousands of needless deaths in the days and months to come.

Mr. Raison

With our partners we are now providing substantial quantities of food aid to Ethiopia, and that is as it should be. We make sure that the food reaches the area around Makale. It is difficult—we do not deny it for one minute—to see that it is distributed to all those who come under the rebels' authority. On the other hand, substantial numbers of people are moving in from the rebel-held areas to Makale to get food there.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

With regard to my right hon. Friend's original answer, will he deny that the Royal Air Force is to be withdrawn from helping in Ethiopia?

Mr. Raison

We have not yet made a decision about that. The RAF has done enormously valuable work. We have to consider what is the best use of our resources.