Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Venezuela on the ongoing economic situation and food shortages in that country.

The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in Venezuela. We have urged all sides to work constructively together in the best interests of the country and the people of Venezuela. We support the planned dialogue between the Venezuelan Government and Opposition, facilitated by the Union of South American Nations regional body. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are in contact with their counterparts in the Department for International Development and the EU to discuss what future assistance might be offered, if requested by the Venezuelan Government.