§ Mr. Robert HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are being made by the United Kingdom Government either individually or in conjunction with the international community to meet the humanitarian requirements of the Shi'ite population in southern Iraq; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe relief programmes of the United Nations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people throughout Iraq. Britain has so far contributed US$16 million to the UN appeal launched in May and £2.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross. A UN mission is currently in Iraq to assess the situation particularly in the southern part of the country. We shall give its report our full consideration.