§ 43. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on aid to the Republic of Somaliland.
§ Mr. GoodladSince May 1991, Britain has committed £3.8 million-worth of bilateral humanitarian assistance to north-west Somalia.
§ Mr. CoombsWill my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to organisations such as Action Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children which are doing such excellent aid work in a territory which, after all, was administered by Britain? Can he tell the House what further help might be given to that territory, which is doing its best to re-establish efficient democratic government?
§ Mr. GoodladI readily join my hon. Friend in his tribute to the work of the non-governmental organisations that he mentioned. We are keen to continue support for those organisations. Their assistance to date has helped to re-establish water supplies and human and animal health delivery services, and to support mines clearance work. The increased assistance depends on the existence of a secure environment in which to deliver effective aid. We hope to concentrate future British support for rehabilitation activities in north-west Somalia on police, primary health care and education, but concern remains about the security of people there in the light of recent events.