HC Deb 27 November 2002 vol 395 cc265-6W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with(a) the Prime Minister and (b) international organizations about providing debt relief to Ethiopia. [83155]

Clare Short

We support international efforts to reduce Ethiopia's debt burden. Ethiopia qualified for interim debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) at Decision Point (DP) in November 2001. Irrevocable relief will be provided at HIPC Completion Point, which is expected within the next two years. Savings resulting from HIPC assistance will amount to around US$ 96 million per year on average until 2021. Ethiopia owes the UK £15.4 million. Provided Ethiopia remains on track with its programme of economic reform, Ethiopia will not be required to make any further payments on its debt to the UK after DP.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what long term plans she has to provide Ethiopia with development aid to help that country develop(a) irrigation system and (b) food storage facilities; and if she will make a statement. [83158]

Clare Short

An important component of our long-term development assistance to Ethiopia is work on improving food security. As one aspect of their food security strategy the Government of Ethiopia plans to increase access to irrigation and so help boost agricultural productivity. DFID is supporting the establishment of the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office in Addis Ababa, which in coordination with Sudan and Egypt, plans to improve use of Nile waters for a range of users including irrigation. We have funded improvements in the food storage facilities of the Ethiopian Food Security Reserve Administration, which now has expanded capacity and a more efficient stock management regime. The EFSRA plays a vital role in ensuring the stability of food supplies to organisations distributing food relief to those in need.