Part of Oral Answers to Questions — International Development – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 11 June 2008.
Douglas Alexander
The Secretary of State for International Development
11:30,
11 June 2008
The right hon. Gentleman is of course right in recognising that input costs—principally as a consequence of rising energy prices and the consequential effects on fertiliser prices—are having an impact on the current planting season in Africa. That is why we continue to work closely, not simply with the World Food Programme on emergency food supplies, but with the World Bank, which is establishing a trust fund, and other international agencies to ensure that supplies are provided during the narrow window available for the next growing season. When in Rome, I took the opportunity to make clear our commitment to social protection and cash transfer schemes, which can make a difference in ensuring that smallholders are able to sustain their livelihoods even in these challenging times.