§ 6. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's future aid projects in Zimbabwe. [46047]
§ Clare ShortThe people of Zimbabwe face a bleak future under President Mugabe's policies. We are working with the international community to urge policy changes in order to halt the catastrophic decline in agriculture, the economy, and social services. We are also providing 985W humanitarian assistance through the UN and non-governmental channels, and helping to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic that affects one in three adults.
§ 17. Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. [46056]
§ Clare ShortThe humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is likely to worsen later this-year. The maize harvest in April and May is forecast to meet only 30 per cent. of national needs and the Zimbabwe Government has no credible plan to source food for its people. Drought has compounded the already serious problems caused by mismanagement of the economy, farming, and food markets. The UK is one of many urging policy changes on the part of the Zimbabwe Government, while providing emergency assistance through international and nongovernmental channels.