Written question asked by David Leslie Taylor (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 January 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what progress has been made in determining the details of the system replacing food rations with cash payments in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in determining the details of the system replacing food rations with cash payments in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [209947] Hilary Benn: The Government of Iraq has said that it is committed over the medium term, to enhancing the effectiveness of social safety nets in Iraq by moving from a food ration system, which handed out virtually free food to the entire population of Iraq, to a cash distribution system targeted at the poor and unemployed. The aim will be to help domestic agriculture, encourage private trade and remove price distortions, at the same time as ensuring that families in need are properly safeguarded. The details have yet to be determined, and are expected to be followed up by the Iraqi Transitional Government after the forthcoming elections. DFID supports the reform in principle. DFID staff and advisers will continue to maintain contact with the Iraqi authorities, and with interested international organisations including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the World Food Programme, to ensure that the interests of poor and vulnerable families in Iraq are protected.

Secondary information