§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what response Her Majesty's Government are making to the recent appeal by the International Committee for the Red Cross for immediate humanitarian relief in Zaire.
§ Mrs. Hart,pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 10th July 1978; Vol. 953, c. 363], gave the following information
We have received a further appeal for assistance for the repatriation and rehabilitation of refugees in Zaire from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
We have agreed, subject to the approval of Parliament, to contribute a sum of £250,000. Parliamentary approval will be sought in the Spring Supplementary Estimates for the Aid Vote. Meanwhile, in view of the urgency, since the amnesty announced for returning refugees expires at the end of December, the expenditure will be made by a repayable advance from the Contingencies Fund.