Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 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 the Department will ensure that plans for the distribution of food after the end of the Oil for Food Programme in Iraq will give particular attention to the need to create an independent food distribution network free from political interference.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if the Department will ensure that plans for the distribution of food after the end of the oil for food programme in Iraq will give particular attention to the need to create an independent food distribution network free from political interference. [119310] Hilary Benn: The Government recognise the importance of establishing a food distribution system which addresses the needs of all those Iraqis who are dependent on food aid. DFID's long-term aim is to create an environment which will allow these Iraqis to become self-sufficient, rather than reliant on food handouts.

Secondary information