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International Development Questions - World Food Prices
International Development
11-Jun-2008
Mr. Michael Moore (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (LD): On that latter point, I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will ensure that the subject is discussed with President Bush when he visits this weekend. The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the World Food Programme produced a report this week that highlights the fact that in recent years, as prices for commodities have soared, the volume of aid provided has declined steeply. On food aid, will he give a commitment that his Department’s purchasing power will be maintained, so that we can ensure that as prices continue to soar, the volume of British aid will not decline?
The Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. Douglas Alexander): In terms of the volume of British aid, the budget for the Department for International Development was set in the comprehensive spending review last July, and it remains the same. However, the hon. Gentleman is right to recognise that, in light of rising food prices, we need to consider where we need to do more in individual countries. That is why we have already supplemented the long-term support that we are offering to the people of Ethiopia with £5 million for humanitarian supplies that are partly in recognition of the significant rise in food prices that has taken place.
The hon. Gentleman is also right to recognise that there appears to be a clear correlation between rising input costs, principally those for oil, and the level of hunger being witnessed; that point was made to me by Josette Sheeran when I met her in Rome. She said, “If I look at the oil price, I can immediately tell how many more poor people we will be dealing with through the World Food Programme.” That is why I welcome the latest commitment that Gulf states have given to support the flash appeal from the United Nations World Food Programme. I hope that that pattern will be continued in the years ahead.
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