Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with the government of Nepal on the introduction of import duty on materials sent in response to the earthquake appeal in that country; 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 in discussions with the Government of Nepal, lobbying the Chief Secretary and counterparts in the Ministry of Finance 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.