§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the EU member states that are assessing the need to provide extra funds to Sierra Leone; when he requested them to do so; and what form the invitation took. [75482]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe new £ 10 million package of British assistance to Sierra Leone was announced by the Foreign Secretary on 2 March 1999,Official Report, columns 895–96. On the same day, we instructed our Embassies and High Commissions to invite not just our partners in the European Union, but around the world, to play their part. Support from other donors could include direct support for ECOMOG, for the Government of Sierra Leone, or for humanitarian or other assistance
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he took the decision to commit up to an additional £ 10 million from the reserve for Sierra Leone; and over what period of time the sum will be spent. [75481]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe request from the Foreign Secretary for a contribution from the reserve for Sierra Leone was approved by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 18 February. We are inviting others in the international community to follow our lead in providing support to Sierra Leone; the £10 million will be spent as we receive matching new pledges from them.