HL Deb 08 March 1999 vol 598 cc9-11WA
Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will quantify, in percentage terms or currency value, the "massive leakage of food to fighters", by way of misappropriated British aid to Sudan under the previous administration, as stated by the Secretary of State for International Development in the House of Commons on 3 February (HC Deb., col. 920); and what are her sources for this statement. [HL1264]

Baroness Amos

No definitive figures are available and the scale of diversions by the Sudan People's Liberation Army and Government of Sudan supported militias vary with location. The evidence is largely anecdotal. In any conflict situation, the danger exists of humanitarian aid being diverted by fighters, thus helping war to persist. It is for this reason that the international community, while providing such aid, has a duty at the same time to press warring factions to stop fighting and sue for peace. The previous administration donated much humanitarian aid to Sudan but made no attempt to engage in political dialogue.

From an early stage of last year's crisis in Sudan, we put pressure on both sides to ensure that assistance reached all the vulnerable people for whom it was intended. We and our international partners continue to apply this pressure and the UN World Food Programme report that the situation is showing real signs of improvement. In parallel we have played a key role in supporting the peace process. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Sudan and will also make every effort to press for a lasting and just peace as the only long-term solution to the suffering of the many vulnerable people there.

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by the Baroness Amos on 3 February (WA 215), whether they will urge the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs to make public the report of the joint Operation Lifeline Sudan and Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association. [HL1262]

Baroness Amos

This report has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide an estimate, by way of a percentage figure or currency value, of how much British aid to Sudan, bilaterally, through Operation Lifeline Sudan or by way of British contributions to aid channelled through the European Community, was diverted or misappropriated in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98. [HL1261]

Baroness Amos

No such estimate exists,

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is correct as claimed in the House of Commons on 3 February (HC Deb., col. 920) that 65 per cent. of British aid to Sudan is being stolen to feed combatants in that country's civil war. [HL12631]

Baroness Amos

There is no evidence that food aid diversion in Sudan is remotely close to this level.