15-5-02

GOVERNMENT MUST FOCUS AID ON WAR TORN COUNTRIES - BARRETT

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West and Member of
the International Development Select Committee, today called on the
Government to ensure humanitarian aid gets through to countries torn apart
by internal and external conflict.
Mr Barrett made the call to Clare Short, during today's International
Development Questions in the House of Commons.
John Barrett MP said:

"My work on the International Development Committee has highlighted the
particular needs of those civilians who have suffered as a result of war in
their countries. The Government must focus on conflict resolution in these
areas so that aid from Governments and organisations gets through quickly
and gets through to those who need it most.

"The Government deserves credit for what it has done in terms of overseas
aid. However, to become complacent would be deeply costly to the work that
has taken place and to those throughout the world who desperately need our
help".

ENDS