§ Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement following the recent ministerial visit to the famine-stricken areas of Karamoja.
§ Mr. Neil MartenMy hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State visited Karamoja on 1 February during his visit to Uganda. He was deeply impressed by the work of the British and other voluntary agencies, whose efforts played a signal part in helping overcome last year's famine in Karamoja. The volunteers have been working in difficult, often harrowing, conditions. The generous contributions made by the British public in response to the Karamoja appeal are being put to excellent use.
My hon. Friend concluded that there was no immediate famine in Karamoja, but serious and widespread malnutrition. The situation remains very delicately balanced, and it is particularly important that the hoped-for rains arrive soon and a new crop planted. We are keeping in close contact with the voluntary agencies and others involved in providing relief, and have recently provided the Save the Children Fund with £160,000 to enable it to transport food to the affected areas.