Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 22 January 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of UN stock reports on the distribution picture for food and medicines verified by UN observers. - Includes figure.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of UN stock reports on the distribution picture for food and medicines verified by UN observers. [145239] Mr. Hain: We have seen no recent UN reports specifically on the distribution of food and medicine in Iraq. However, we note that in his most recent report the UN Secretary-General called on Iraq to improve its contracting, ordering and distribution of the food basket and called for more effort to ensure the timely distribution of supplies to address the nutritional needs of the Iraqi people. We also note the Secretary-General's comment that the lack of a cash component--which the Iraqi regime refuses to discuss with the UN--is hampering the transportation of supplies for the targeted nutrition programme in central and southern Iraq.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 361 c405W;361 c406W; 145239
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Administrative delays International assistance Humanitarian aid Iraq United Nations UN resolutions Sanctions Food aid
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk