FOOD CRISIS IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Early day motion 1792, tabled 21 October 2003 by Caroline Spelman (Conservative). Signed by 68 members.

That this House expresses great concern about the deepening food shortages facing countries in Eastern and Southern Africa; highlights in particular Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe where the recent shortfalls in rainfall have meant that the provision of adequate food aid is not imperative; notes that the failure of crops in recent years has put up to 15 million people in Ethiopia in danger of starvation; further notes that the vulnerability of food supplies in Zimbabwe has left over half the population facing starvation; notes that significant numbers of people in Tanzania face starvation, with the Singida region badly affected; further notes that water aid is necessary if long-term crops and cattle shortages are to be averted; and calls upon the Government to act swiftly in the provision of food and water aid to avert widespread starvation in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Signatures by party: Conservative 30, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour 13, Independent Ulster Unionist 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2, DUP 1, Independent Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.