§ 9. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what Her Majesty's Government's plans are for humanitarian relief in Sierra Leone. [79111]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe have been leading the international effort to provide humanitarian relief and improve the security situation in Sierra Leone.
We are co-ordinating closely with the EC, other donors and the UN to maximise effectiveness and encourage the burden sharing.
We are also restarting longer term development programmes such as demobilisation of fighters, support to the reform of the police force and security forces, support for independent media and the peace process.
§ 13. Mr. WellsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on aid given to the Government of Sierra Leone in the past two years. [79116]
§ Clare ShortWe provided £10.5 million in 1996–97 financial year, £3.4 million in 1997–98 financial year and £9.7 million in 1998–99.
We have provided humanitarian assistance and support for demobilisation, reform of the judiciary and legal systems, the independent media, and reform of the police and security force.