Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has received reports on the loss of life as a result of the recent mine landslide in Tanzania; and whether his Department is taking steps to support the Government of Tanzania with its response to the landslide.

On 15 January the British High Commissioner expressed condolences on behalf of the UK following the tragic loss of 22 lives at the Ng'alita mine. The UK has not been asked to provide support on this occasion but has previously supported relief efforts in similar situations through the multi-donor pooled Start Network. UK contributions to the Start Network have assisted Tanzania in addressing challenges caused by flooding, with relief in the areas of sanitation and hygiene, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and the provision of health and food items.