§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of(a) food stocks in Somalia, (b) the number of people suffering malnutrition in Somalia and (c) the possibility of famine in Somalia in the coming months. [23078]
§ Mr. HanleyThe food supply situation in Somalia has been affected by insecurity, erratic rains and pest infestation. The World Food Programme estimates a 1996 food shortfall of about 150,000 tonnes. The WFP plans to distribute 2,500 tonnes per month to meet immediate needs. To date, it has pledges of 39,000 tonnes.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of(a) the internal conflict in Somalia and (b) the capacity 608W for reconciliation; and what measures are being taken, or are planned, by (i) Her Majesty's Government and (ii) the EU to assist such reconciliation. [23079]
§ Mr. HanleyWe remain concerned at the instability in Somalia caused by factional fighting. A return to peace can be achieved only by agreement among the Somalis themselves. We are supporting efforts by the EU and UN to encourage national reconciliation.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made, and what discussions have taken place, between Her Majesty's Government and British and non-British non-governmental organisations of the possibility of making food aid available in Somalia; and what assessment he has made of the security of that food aid and of the people involved in distributing it. [23080]
§ Mr. HanleyMy noble friend Baroness Chalker and officials are in regular contact with international NGOs about food aid needs throughout the Horn of Africa. We have no outstanding requests for food aid for Somalia. We remain ready to consider further assistance if needs increase. In doing so, we would take into consideration the provision of adequate security for the food aid and those distributing it.