HC Deb 11 December 1984 vol 69 c453W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Ethiopian Government concerning the distribution of Her Majesty's Government's famine relief to the Eritrean population.

Mr. Raison

When I saw the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner in London on 7 November, and during my visit to Ethiopia between 25 and 27 November, I urged the Ethiopian Government to co-operate fully in ensuring that relief gets through to those in need in all drought-affected areas irrespective of their background or political affiliations.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the British contribution to famine relief in Ethiopia, in the light of the details sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside.

Mr. Raison

The Government share the concern of others that relief supplies should reach those in need in all drought-affected areas. For this reason, we continue to channel the bulk of our assistance through British and international organisations already working in those areas.