The Nicaraguan Government have made a general request for food aid. In view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the sanctions, will the Minister ask the Government to consider providing food aid to the people of Nicaragua in order to preserve their democracy?

It is correct to point out that at my meeting with the Vice-President of Nicaragua the question of food aid was discussed. I indicated our general policy in relation to food aid which would limit me in giving a positive response to that request. On the other hand, I felt that a better chance of making progress was through the co-financing of schemes with the voluntary agencies in Nicaragua.