Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had regarding the food situation in Angola; and whether they will use their trade partnership with that country to encourage the government of Angola to act to avert a humanitarian crisis.

We have not had recent bilateral discussions with the Government of Angola regarding the food situation. The Government of Angola is leading the food assistance programme to respond to the situation and is best placed to prepare for and lead the response to humanitarian disasters with the support of UN partners. The UK government does not have a bilateral development programme in Angola, but will continue to monitor the humanitarian situation.

Under the High Level Prosperity (HLP) Partnership, the UK Government also works closely with the government of Angola to secure increased trade and investment between the UK and Angola, which will contribute to mutual prosperity and deliver sustained equitable economic growth. The UK government will continue to engage closely with the Government of Angola under the HLP partnership and will discuss the humanitarian situation where appropriate.