§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact of the current drought on the humanitarian situation in Lesotho; and if he will make a statement. [136526]
§ Hilary BennThe 2003 winter cropping season has been seriously affected by drought. It is clear that vulnerable groups will continue to require humanitarian assistance. DFID will continue to work closely with the World Food Programme and other donors, and has already committed £3 million in assistance for feeding programmes and for agricultural recovery in Lesotho.