§ 81. Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent initiatives Her Majesty's Government have taken with respect to famine in Africa.
§ Mr. Chris PattenSo far this year we have committed about £15 million from the bilateral programme for relief purposes in Mozambique, including 30,000 tonnes of food aid. About £10 million has been similarly committed to Ethiopia, including 27,000 tonnes of food aid. We have provided over £1 million of relief assistance to Sudan, and have also assisted Somalia, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe. In addition, some £5.5 million has been provided to help control locusts and other pests.
§ 83. Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he will be responding to the worsening prospects of famine in Ethiopia.
§ Mr. Chris PattenOn 26 October I announced the provision of £2.35 million in emergency relief for Ethiopia. This comprises 10,000 tonnes of food aid at a cost of £ 1.85 million and £500,000 to help with food distribution. This is in addition to the £1 million of assistance for transport and for refugees which I announced on 5 October.