§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has held with(a) UNICEF, (b) the Red Cross and (c) representatives of the World Food Programme about humanitarian assistance for Sudan; and if she will make a statement. [41870]
§ Clare ShortI met UNICEF representatives on 29 April. My officials are in close contact with the Red Cross and other international non-governmental organisations about the humanitarian situation in Sudan. We are also in regular contact with the World Food Programme in Rome, Khartoum and Nairobi.
The World Food Programme believes that there are now sufficient resources available and enough flights to deliver the supplies through until August, when the harvests are due to start. But we stand ready to provide more funds if needed.
§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what representations she has made to the Government of Sudan about restrictions on flights to Bahr al Ghazal since 9 March; and if she will make a statement; [41873]
(2) what representations she has made to the Government of Sudan about the opening of relief corridors in Bahr al Ghazal since 9 March; and if she will make a statement. [41872]
§ Clare ShortWe have pressed all parties to the conflict bilaterally and in our EU Presidency role for greater access to those in need. At our instigation, Sudan was discussed at the United Nations Security Council on 5 May.