§ 43. Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the amount of aid to Somalia that has not been used for the purposes for which it was intended.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is impossible to estimate accurately the extent of misappropriation. There are conflicting reports. They vary according to the security of the region where aid is to be delivered and the type of assistance provided. Food aid for the centre and south of the country is most vulnerable. We hope the new UN/US operation will provide a more secure environment, which will enable more aid to be delivered to those in need. On 4 December, Baroness Chalker, the Minister for Overseas Development, announced a further contribution of £4.5 million for humanitarian assistance to Somalia. This brings Britain's contribution to Somalia's relief effort to £31.5 million in 1992.