§ Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Minister of Overseas Development what further assistance has been given to the Somali 213W Government in connection with the current drought situation there.
§ Mr. John GrantIn response to an appeal from the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator and after consultation with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Somalia through Her Majesty's Ambassador in Mogadishu about precise needs, I have authorised my Disaster Unit to despatch six Land Rovers to Somalia from the reserve of vehicles that it has established to help meet transport needs in disaster relief operations. These vehicles, together with four 250 gallon capacity water trailers, which will be shipped to Somalia on 22nd February and arrive towards the end of March, are being provided to assist the Government Relief Organisation in its arrangements for the distribution of water in the relief areas. The cost of this relief aid is approximately £12,500. Help given in December and January cost some £50,000.