§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received advocating using European Economic Community food mountains to relieve starvation in Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonI have received numerous representations on the subject from hon. Members, voluntary organisations and from the general public
It is not a primary purpose of the food aid programme to reduce EC food surpluses. But the European Community does draw on them as part of a food aid programme which cost about £420 million last year, the United Kingdom share being £91 million. As I have said on a number of occasions, the Government believe the first priority for this programme should be the provision of food aid for the relief of famine
Between December 1984 and October 1985 about 144 million tonnes of cereals were delivered by the Community and its member states to the African countries* worst affected by famine.
*Ethiopia, Sudan, Mali, Mauritania, Chad, Niger, Angola, Mozambique.