§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the levels of food shortages in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. [159225]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that the North Korean food output falls short of need by 944,000 tonnes, but due to the environment of secrecy and restrictions on agencies operating there, it is difficult to be certain of figures regarding the situation in North Korea. It is the case that around a quarter of the population of 22 million require food aid to meet the recommended daily calorie intake. This leaves many recipients, particularly children, the elderly and the sick, vulnerable to breaks in the supply of assistance.
The World Food Programme has recently re-started cereal distributions following a stall in February brought about by a lack of contributions. It estimates however, that 1.5 million vulnerable people are still likely to go without assistance until the end of March when further contributions are expected. Beyond March, 600,000 core beneficiaries may still not receive cereal rations at least until June.
It is important to tackle the problem of malnutrition through a balanced approach to its causes. Both my Department and the European Commission Humanitarian Office, are concerned that food aid currently accounts for 1397W 90 per cent. to 95 per cent. of requested assistance, while poor water and sanitation increases the prevalence of water-born diseases and diarrhoea, which in turn worsens malnutrition. A significant proportion of the population of 22 million have poor quality water and sanitation and only 52 per cent. have access to safe drinking water. DFID has recently agreed to provide £1.023 million in support of the United Nations Children's Fund for its work in water, sanitation and primary health care (e.g. vaccinations and other essential medical supplies) in North Korea.
The European Commission is funding targeted food aid through the World Food Programme and other organisations. In January it agreed to give €5 million. The United Kingdom's share of European Community assistance is approximately £680,000.