§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial aid has been given by Her Majesty's Government to alleviate child hunger in Southern Sudan; and what estimate she has made of the annual cost of feeding one child for a year. [44709]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe British Government allocated £6.2 million for the crisis in Southern Sudan during May bringing our overall assistance to Sudan since February to £10.2 million. This assistance is in support of vulnerable groups and families, including children. There is no useful estimate of the costs of feeding one child for a year since the figure can vary a great deal depending on the circumstances.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to increase aid from her Department to help people in the Sudan suffering from famine; and if she will make a statement. [44335]
§ Clare ShortSince 1991, my Department has provided £145 million in humanitarian assistance for Sudan.
Since my statement to the House on 29 April 1998, Official Report, columns 331–38, the Government of Sudan have been gradually improving access to the worst affected areas, particularly in Bahr El Ghazal. I approved further British contributions during May totalling £6.23 million which brings our overall assistance to Sudan since February to £10.23 million. I have made it clear since the beginning of the current emergency that we alongside other governments will provide the funding needed for the Sudanese emergency and that the problem is one of access rather than resources. The EU General Affairs Council on 25 May again called for a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, which remains the most urgent requirement. This is why we have been pressing for a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, which remains the most important requirement in order to provide help to the people in need.