§ 18. Mr. SalterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Sierra Leone. [123188]
§ Clare ShortHumanitarian specialists from my Department have just returned from a week-long assessment mission in Sierra Leone. Chronic humanitarian problems are being exacerbated by the conflict, which is also restricting access to those in need. We are currently looking at the most effective way to provide further humanitarian assistance.
§ 28. Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on British aid to Sierra Leone. [123198]
§ Clare ShortWe have been strongly engaged in supporting the development of Sierra Leone since the return to democratic Government there in March 1998. In the period since then we have allocated almost £70 million to programmes and projects which are designed to help264W restore peace, stability and promote good governance on a sustainable basis. Some projects will need to be revised in the light of recent events. Others, including humanitarian assistance, will continue as soon as access is possible to those areas where they are to be implemented.