HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 cc564-6
13. Hugh Bayley (City of York)

What assistance his Department is giving to conflict prevention in Africa.[93180]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr. Adam Ingram)

The Ministry of Defence contributes to the Government's conflict prevention efforts in Africa in close co-operation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development through the interdepartmental conflict prevention pool. Together, we are also working with our partners in the G8 and Africa to increase the impact and effectiveness of existing and emerging conflict reduction efforts.

Hugh Bayley

In view of the important contribution that British military advisers have made to the search for a durable peace in southern Sudan, will my right hon. Friend look at the prospects for building a ceasefire between the Ugandan Government forces and the Lord's Resistance Army in northern Uganda? Will he especially take advice from our high commissioner in Kampala on the views of members of the Ugandan Parliament who come from northern Uganda as to whether it might be possible to broker a ceasefire there as well as in southern Sudan?

Mr. Ingram

My hon. Friend is a specialist on all matters relating to Africa and raises a most important issue: how we take forward conflict prevention. At all times, we must examine the whole range of practical options that can be delivered. I shall certainly take account of the views that he has expressed and ensure that they are actively considered.

Back to