§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the Government's response to the recent appeal of the United Nations World Food Programme regarding North Korea. [32058]
§ Clare ShortWe are considering the appeal from the World Food Programme and discussing an appropriate response with counterparts in the European Union. The UK is expecting to lead a European Union technical mission to North Korea this month to assess current needs and review the targeting, delivery and sustainability of humanitarian assistance during 1998. The European Community has already allocated some £39 million to North Korea, mainly in food aid, since October 1996. The UK's share is over £6 million.