§ Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to provide for the basic needs of the urban poor affected by the economic crisis in Indonesia. [41743]
§ Clare ShortThe most immediate need in limiting the impact of the crisis on the poor is to restore confidence in the Indonesian economy. To help achieve this the Government of Indonesia must implement the programme now agreed with the IMF. In addition, the UK is contributing £5 million to the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Trust Fund which will help affected Asian Governments, including Indonesia, to design interventions to combat the social effects of the crisis as well as to 173W reform their financial sectors. We are exploring urgently other possible opportunities for effective help to those poor in Indonesia suffering the effects of the crisis.
§ Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department will take to assist in ensuring an adequate food supply in Indonesia following the shortfall in this year's rice crop. [41742]
§ Clare ShortOur normal practice is to provide food aid through international agencies, and we stand ready to provide help if needed. We have received a food situation report from the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation and are awaiting a further report from the European Commission which is due shortly. It is possible that the real problem is one of logistics and markets, rather than absolute food shortage. Food aid can damage local production; it is therefore important that we make a proper assessment. Once we have full details we shall take a decision on whether and how best the UK can assist.