HL Deb 07 June 1989 vol 508 cc933-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the latest information they have about local famines in Mozambique and displaced persons and refugees resulting from the civil war waged by Renamo (MNR); and what international efforts are being made both for relief and to end the violence.

Lord Glenarthur

There are some 1.69 million persons displaced within Mozambique and 1 million Mozambican refugees in neighbouring countries. There is acute localised famine in parts of Zambezia and Nampula provinces. In general there are adequate supplies of food, but distribution is the major problem.

At a United Nations conference in April, the Mozambicans stated they would need US$382 million of emergency assistance during 1989–90. Pledges made so far total some US$350 million; the United Kingdom has pledged 15,000 tonnes of food aid and £6 million for refugee relief. We are ready to participate in any political initiative supported by Mozambique and the other countries of the region to end the conflict there.