§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is providing to the drought affected areas of Central Asia. [135215]
§ Clare ShortWe are taking a regional approach in our response to the drought which is affecting a belt of countries across the whole of Asia. So far we have committed over £5 million for humanitarian assistance in the drought affected countries. Further funds have been set aside to respond to needs in Central Asia specifically. We are currently considering proposals from a number of international agencies, including UN organisations, the Red Cross and international NGOs.