asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the medical/dietary needs of the Saharawis people; if he will make arrangements for the provision of vitamin tablets A, C and D and for iron and folic acid tablets to assist undernourished mothers; if he will also make arrangements for the provision of dried food in particular enriched powdered milk for young children in the various camps; if he has any plans for financial aid to the camps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Nutritional Needs of Saharawis People.
40.
My Department are conversant with the situation of the Saharawis refugees. We are aware that vulnerable groups, notably women and children, represent a large proportion of the Saharawis refugee population living in camps in Algeria. We understand that the improvement of their nutritional and health status is a major objective of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Programme of Assistance. The Deputy will be aware that a consignment of milk powder and sugar was provided for the Saharawis refugees in 1987 by means of an allocation of £60,000 from the Government's disaster relief fund. It is not proposed to make a further allocation of aid in the present circumstances.