§ 8. Mr. PriorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the programme of British assistance to Sudan. [73836]
§ Clare ShortWe were a major donor in the 1998 crisis. There will be substantial humanitarian needs in Sudan this year and we are prepared to continue to help. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) currently holds enough food stocks until at least early summer. I am therefore authorising an initial pledge for 1999 of £4 million for humanitarian assistance which will be available to international NGOs and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). We shall monitor the situation closely in the coming months and, as needs become clearer, we shall respond further as required. We shall continue our dialogue with the UN on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Operation Lifeline Sudan and will press for progress on the peace process which remains crucial to resolving Sudan's long term problems.