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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of the numbers of Iraqi civilians who would face hunger and disease in the event of a breakdown of water supplies and food rations lasting longer than seven days. [103947] Clare Short: There are a number of possible humanitarian scenarios. The UN is currently planning on a `medium case' scenario. This assumes severe disruption to critical infrastructure and the Iraqi Government's capacity to deliver basic food and relief. Shortages of fuel and power could shut down water and sewage treatment plants. Up to half the population could be without access to potable water and up to 10 million people may require food assistance during and immediately after conflict. We have been fully engaged in recent months in trying to get the international community to face the humanitarian risks of military action in Iraq, and to make preparations. There has been close collaboration between DFID and the Ministry of Defence to minimise the humanitarian impact of any conflict. A key aim is to minimise damage to the infrastructure on which the Oil for Food distribution network depends, in order that it can be re-established as quickly as possible after any conflict. This is the key to the avoidance of a humanitarian crisis.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

402 c68-9W; 103947

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Armed conflict Civilians Diseases Humanitarian aid Iraq Food supply Iraq conflict Food aid Water supply

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk