Written question asked by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 November 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the impact of the current drought on the humanitarian situation in Lesotho; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure.

Answer: John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact of the current drought on the humanitarian situation in Lesotho; and if he will make a statement. [136526] Hilary Benn: The 2003 winter cropping season has been seriously affected by drought. It is clear that vulnerable groups will continue to require humanitarian assistance. DFID will continue to work closely with the World Food Programme and other donors, and has already committed £3 million in assistance for feeding programmes and for agricultural recovery in Lesotho.

Secondary information