HC Deb 09 March 2000 vol 345 c796W
Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the projected spending plans by her Department in Mozambique for 2000–01 and 2001–02 were first included in a document in the public domain. [113662]

Mr. Foulkes

The plans for Mozambique for 2000–01 and 2001–02 were first published on 30 March 1999 in the Departmental Report 1999.

Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development at what time on what date officials in her Department first discussed sending helicopters to Mozambique with the Ministry of Defence. [113663]

Mr. Foulkes

We first asked the Ministry of Defence what military assets were available in the region on Saturday 26 February at 19.30. At that point we were informed that no military assets were available within 3,000 miles.

On Tuesday 29 February at 9:00 we held further discussions regarding the use of UK military helicopters with the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date her Department first requested assistance from the armed services to alleviate hardship in the floods of Mozambique. [113674]

Mr. Foulkes

We first asked the Ministry of Defence what military assets were available in the region on Saturday 26 February. At that point we were informed that no military assets were available within 3,000 miles.