§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the extent of drought problems in Ethiopia; and what is being done by the Government and the European Union to combat these problems.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMore than 6 million people are estimated to be at risk from drought. 1994 emergency food aid needs are now estimated at nearly 800,000 tonnes. Since October 1993, Britain has committed 30,000 tonnes of bilateral food aid to Ethiopia; 15,000 tonnes has already been delivered and a further 4,000 tonnes will arrive this month. The European Commission has also earmarked 130,000 tonnes; 50,000 tonnes will arrive this month. My noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development wrote to major donors in March highlighting Ethiopia's needs and urging an early response.