§ Mr. Tapsellasked the Lord Privy Seal what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken in response to the Somali Government's appeal for aid during the recent floods.
§ Mr. HeathHer Majesty's Government received an appeal for aid from the Government of the Somali Republic on 22nd November. This appeal was made both directly and through the Food and Agriculture Organisation. Assistance in surveying the flooded areas had already been given by us, and in response to the appeal Royal Air Force aircraft began relief operations, mainly supply dropping, on 24th November. Since then, supply dropping aircraft and helicopters have been operating from Mogadishu bringing supplies to those affected by the floods, and relief operations in Kenya have been extended to cover the flooded areas of the Somali Republic as well. Stocks of food have also been flown in.
Parliament will be asked, in due course, to make financial provision to cover these operations.