§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the current and forecast rains on the prospects for the drought-affected areas of southern Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have been asked to reply.
Initial reports of the rains are encouraging for most parts of the region, but good rains over the next two months are critical. We shall continue to monitor the situation closely with the relevant international organisations and NGOs; and are ready to assist, particularly in areas where the rains have failed or where for other reasons people have been unable to plant.