Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, if he will make a statement on the drought situation in Ethiopia.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the drought situation in Ethiopia. [129529] Hilary Benn: The indications are that in most parts of Ethiopia rainfall has been better this year in terms of both quantity and distribution than it was in 2002. Assessments are under way, but at present it looks likely that food production will be better this year. This will have implications for the likely size and scope of humanitarian interventions; in particular food aid interventions may be less extensive. Risks to health remain a serious concern. At present there is a malaria epidemic in many parts of Ethiopia. We are planning to respond urgently. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation in Ethiopia, and as always we remain committed to playing our part in the international response. Since the beginning of 2002 we have provided £49.1 million of food and non-food humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia.

Secondary information