Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 April 2000. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 April 2000 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans she has to increase the amount of immediate food relief to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to increase the amount of immediate food relief to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement. [118363] Clare Short: Since January we have committed some £4.5 million including 16,500 metric tonnes of food to help vulnerable populations in Ethiopia. About £2 million of this has been committed in the last week for food and non-food assistance to help provide relief to vulnerable people in Borana and North Omo. The food is being provided through international non-governmental organisations. We will also contribute 17 per cent. of the 432,000 metric tonnes provided by the EC this year. We are ready to do more as needs emerge.

Secondary information