§ 61. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of assistance being given by Her Majesty's Government for the transport of food in the Sudan.
§ Mr. RaisonThe 100 vehicles that we provided for Save the Children Fund last year are now being used to distribute food within Darfur. The additional £5 million that I announced to the House on 13 January is earmarked for distribution costs within Darfur over the coming months. The aim is to position as much food as possible, particularly in the most remote areas, before the next rains. We are in constant touch with the other major donors and non-government agencies which are also involved in the relief operation.
§ Mr. BeithIs it now the Minister's assessment that, with this assistance and the assistance coming from other sources, there will be no starvation arising directly from lack of transport within Sudan, or is he still anxious about the problem?
§ Mr. RaisonIt would be foolish to produce a smug answer to that question. Progress will need to be watched carefully, but I believe that things are proceeding along the right lines.
§ Mr. Stuart HollandDuring the previous Question Time on overseas development I referred to fuel for transport in Sudan. The Minister dismissed my concern as ridiculous. Will he withdraw that remark?
§ Mr. RaisonI do not believe that fuel itself is the major problem, but I accept that all aspects of transport must be watched closely. There is basically enough food in the Sudan, the problem is making sure that it can be purchased and distributed among the people who need it most.