HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 cc984-5W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take action, unilaterally if necessary, to commandeer surplus stores of grain in British warehouses for the purpose of aiding famine victims in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

No. I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the House on 30 October, at columns 1161–1168.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many requests he has received for aid from voluntary organisations for the victims of famine in Ethiopia; when the first request was made; what his response was; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

Over the years many such requests have been received, but information about them in the form requested by the hon. Member is not readily available. I refer the hon. Member to my statement of 30 October about Ethiopia, at columns 1161–1168.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he is making to ensure that emergency food aid gets through to the people of Tigre province in Ethiopia.

Mr. Raison

We shall continue to arrange distribution through British and international voluntary agencies.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received about the famine in Ethiopia; and what further measures he will take to help.

Mr. Raison

Several hundred letters have been received from members of the public. I refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 30 October, at columns 1161–1168, about the measures we are taking.