§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people she estimates are suffering from malnutrition as a result of famine in(a) Mauritania, (b) Mali, (c) Senegal, (d) Eritrea, (e) Ethiopia, (f) Zambia, (g) Angola, (h) Zimbabwe, (i) Mozambique, (j) Lesotho and(k) Malawi. [76223]
325W
§ Clare ShortFigures for malnutrition are not comprehensively available, but recent assessments of vulnerable populations unable to buy or grow enough of their own food are:
Mauritania 0.75 m Mali No humanitarian crisis currently reported Senegal No humanitarian crisis currently reported Eritrea 1.04 m Ethiopia 6.3 m Zambia 2.9 m Angola 1.8 m (increasing to 1.9 m by end of 2002) Zimbabwe 6.7 m Mozambique 0.59 m Lesotho 0.65 m Malawi 3.3 m
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact she estimates the dispute over non-acceptance by African Governments of genetically-modified grain supplied by the World Food Programme will have on famine relief efforts in the region. [76100]
§ Clare ShortZambia is the only country which has refused so far to accept grain containing genetically modified material. The effect is to make it more difficult for the World Food Programme to meet emergency needs in the country. Over the months of October and November around 27,000 tonnes which are in the pipeline (about 40 per cent. of the food aid requirements for the two months) will not be distributed in Zambia if the current ban is maintained. In that case, it seems likely that the Government of Zambia would have to resort to more expensive and slower options in order to meet the needs.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the threat to human life being caused by the famine in Africa; and if she will make a statement. [76221]
§ Clare ShortSome 14 million people in southern Africa are at risk and face severe food shortages. Within this number vulnerability varies. Many people are exceptionally vulnerable because they have HIV or AIDS. The international community is working to try to ensure that the shortages do not become a catastrophe.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the extent to which commitments made by the UK and other countries with regard to responding to the famine in Africa have been met. [76220]
§ Clare ShortAll of the £44.75 million I committed in June 2002 has been allocated to programmes which are now under way. Further allocations were made before that and since bringing total UK support to £72.08 million. Figures for expenditure against commitments are not available for other donors: but the US is well on its way to delivering its commitment of 500,000 tonnes of grain for calendar 2002, and the European Commission has met its commitment to provide $ 60 million to the World Food programme (bringing its total commitments to the six affected countries this year to 148.5 million euros).
326W
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions the Government, in conjunction with the World Food Programme, has had with those African countries affected by famine regarding the supply of genetically-modified grain as part of relief efforts. [76101]
§ Clare ShortStaff from our offices in Malawi and Zambia have been involved in discussions with the World Food Programme and Governments on the acceptance of grain containing genetically modified material as food aid. In Malawi the Government has proposed that GM maize is milled before distribution. We and other donors are discussing how to do this with minimum delay in distribution to beneficiaries. In Zimbabwe DFID officials have supported the World Food Programme in negotiations with the Government over the acceptance of such grain, but have had no direct contact with the Government. I have spoken and written to President Mwanawasa of Zambia on this issue, and my Department hosted a fact finding visit by Zambian scientist to London on 23 and 24 September.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to support those African countries affected by famine. [76222]
§ Clare ShortWe have spent £72.08 million on humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland since September 2001. This is going towards feeding programmes, other essential supplies, agricultural inputs for the next season, logistics and personal support for the World Food Programme. Through our Southern Africa Humanitarian Crisis Unit in Johannesburg we are helping to strengthen and co-ordinate the international response.