§ Lord BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any aid has been extended to Somalia during the past six months of turmoil in that area; and what is their present policy with regard to assistance to Somalia.
§ Lord CARRINGTONThe United Kingdom has a continuing aid programme for Somalia comprising capital aid and technical co-operation. Capital grants for programme aid totalling £5 million were agreed in 1978 and 1979; technical co-operation comprises awards for training, provision of the services of British experts and studies by engineering consultants. Disbursements of aid to Somalia amounted to £1.3 million in 1979 and are expected to exceed that figure in 1980. Our policy is to respond to requests for aid from Somalia to the best of our ability within the limitations imposed by the restraint on public expenditure including the aid programme. We are currently considering the United Nations appeal for support for refugee relief in Somalia, and hope to be able to respond sympathetically.