§ Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further assistance has been provided to alleviate the plight of the people of Somalia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydOur total humanitarian aid for Somalia in 1992 is almost £27 million, including our share of EC aid.
It includes £1.5 million in response to the appeal of the International Committee of the Red Cross on 9 July. This is for the ICRC's food programme under which hot meals are provided via some 600 communal kitchens to over half a million beneficiaries. We also provided £1 million for the British Red Cross to use for its medical/health care programme in Somalia, as a national contribution towards ICRC's operations.
On 15 September, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development announced a further £7.5 million to support British and international non-governmental organisations and United Nations relief operations in Somalia. Priority is being given to providing seeds and tools, helping with transport and medical supplies, and rehabilitation services.