§ 8. Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she next expects to meet representatives of international aid agencies to discuss their plans for assisting Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement. [69880]
§ Clare ShortMy Department is in frequent contact with representatives of development agencies in Harare and internationally. We are working to try to prevent the current crisis becoming a catastrophe but the situation is very worrying.
§ 9. Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her policy towards aid for Zimbabwe. [69887]
§ Clare ShortOur aim is to prevent loss of life arising from current food shortages and the increasing burden of disease and to support survival strategies of the poorest people. We have increased our financial provision for Zimbabwe to £32 million to meet humanitarian needs. Aid is being channelled through non-governmental and international organisations.