§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has for food aid aerial drops in Zimbabwe. [83731]
§ Clare ShortAerial drops are very much a measure of last resort, with risks to all involved. Food cannot be targeted reliably, and it is an expensive option. We will continue to use and strengthen the distribution systems already in place, which are working well in very difficult conditions. One of the major problems in dealing with the Zimbabwe crises is that the World Food Programme appeal for Southern Africa is only 56 per cent, funded and there is not enough food to distribute.