Ethiopia and Eritrea (Hansard, 26 July 1999)

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the current humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea. [92819]

§ Clare Short
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor) on 14 July 1999,Official Report, column 388.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received concerning a humanitarian response to the drought in Ethiopia. [92818]

§ Clare Short
Representations have been received from a number of the major multilateral aid agencies and international non-governmental organisations about the worsening humanitarian situation in Ethiopia. Since12W January 1998 we have provided over £6 million for humanitarian actions. My officials are in Ethiopia this week making a further assessment.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Eritrea regarding the reduction in the aid budget for that country. [92808]

§ Clare Short
The Government of Eritre pursue a policy of self-reliance. A reduction in bilateral development activities has taken place by agreement with the Government over the last 18 months. We continue to contribute to development and humanitarian needs in Eritrea through the EC.