§ 42. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support is being given to non-governmental organisations working in African countries suffering from drought and famine.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydBritish bilateral aid channelled through non-governmental organisations to drought and famine affected countries in Africa since September 1990 stands at £87.83 million.
§ Mr. ThurnhamDoes my hon. Friend agree that the performance of British charities in Africa is far more effective than the performance of any other European charities? Does not that reflect the excellent co-operation between the Government and non-governmental organisa-tions such as Oxfam and the World Development Movement?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes. Substantial funding is provided by both the non-governmental organisations and the Government's Overseas Development Administration. We are the leading European donor to both South Africa and the Horn of Africa. We are also the leading European donor in southern Africa and the third largest donor there.
§ Mr. Simon HughesMay I say how valuable and vital is the aid from both this country and the European Community and from the non-governmental organisa-tions, but is the Minister aware that if we are to prevent the drought in southern Africa from becoming a famine, with millions of deaths, the remaining third of the pledges that were asked for by the United Nations needs to be honoured? Moreover, further contributions are needed.
18 Countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe also need debt relief. Efforts should be made towards that end this week in Munich.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, we are increasing our funding in response to the crisis as it develops. The hon. Gentleman is aware that the director of Oxfam returned recently from a visit to Africa. In addition, my right hon. and noble Friend Lady Chalker announced on 30 June an increase of £10 million for drought relief in southern Africa.
§ Mrs. ClwydWhy has there been no statement in the House by the Government on the crisis in sub-Saharan Africa? How can the 40 million people at risk possibly survive if there is a 60 per cent. shortfall in pledges of aid and if the international relief effort fails through lack of funds? Will the Minister ensure that the blockages at European Community level are removed and sorted out rapidly? Will he also ensure that there are no further delays in transporting food from the regions into the villages, where people are dying daily before our eyes?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe cannot possibly be responsible for the failings of other countries, but can I assert what the British Government are doing? Since January 1992, we have given £48 million worth of humanitarian aid to southern Africa and £33 million worth of humanitarian aid to the Horn of Africa. In other words, since January of this year, we have provided nearly £80 million worth of aid to those areas.