Internal Purchase Of Food For Northern Ethiopia

EDM number 899 in 1990-91, proposed by Alice Mahon on 04/06/1991.

That this House is greatly concerned about the plight of the drought victims in Ethiopia; notes that almost four million of the people affected are in the areas of northern Ethiopia under the control of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front; is conscious that the Southern Line (Joint Relief Partnership) operation cannot supply the quantities of food assistance required; is aware that any food pledged now cannot reach those areas until after the next harvest but that there are enough grain surpluses in the area to feed 75 per cent. of the people in need; recognises that this method of emergency assistance (internal purchase) as conducted by the local relief bodies, the Relief Society of Tigray and the Ethiopian Relief Organisation, is an effective means of reaching the most needy people quickly; and therefore calls on Her Majesty's Government to commit funds immediately for the purchase of locally available grain surpluses for immediate distribution to the needy.

This motion has been signed by a total of 31 MPs.