Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what reports she has received on the effects of the introduction of import duty by the government of Nepal on shipments of aid sent in response to the earthquake appeal; and if she will make a statement.

We are very concerned about the resumption of import duties on humanitarian relief items in Nepal, which risks impeding the delivery of urgent assistance to highly vulnerable communities. UK officials have been actively lobbying the Government of Nepal for the reintroduction of a customs waiver and are supporting the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in his lobbying efforts. European Ambassadors, including the UK, will be meeting with senior Nepali Ministers this week to request changes to customs regulations while the need for humanitarian supplies remains.