HC Deb 30 November 1987 vol 123 cc389-90W
87. Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government will take to seek to prevent famine in Ethiopia and Sudan; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

So far this year we have committed £10.74 million from the bilateral programme for famine relief in Ethiopia. In addition we have contributed some £12.5 million as our share of the cost of food and other emergency relief provided by the European Community.

For the Sudan Britain has provided about £500,000 in relief aid this year including a co-ordination expert for the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and help for people displaced by war in southern Sudan. We stand ready to provide more assistance if necessary.