§ The Earl of Kimberleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether in view of the unstable situation in the Horn of Africa, and the distress caused by the refugee problem in Somalia, they are prepared to take the initiative in promoting international mediation in that region.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Lord Carrington)Her Majesty's Government remain concerned over continuing tensions and the need to promote stability in the Horn of Africa. In this regard they believe the Organisation of African Unity is the body best suited to resolve disagreements between African states. Meanwhile they are participating substantially with humanitarian relief for refugees in Somalia, donating £3 million bilaterally this financial year. Our bilaterial aid programme for 1981–82 will be £1.5 million.