§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she is providing to people affected by floods in Malawi. [34651]
§ Hilary BennThe Government of Malawi has not requested assistance. Flooding in low lying areas of the Shire Valley is seasonal and specific to a few areas. However my Department has contributed £3.5 million to the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF), a public works programme which has a particular focus on remedial measures in flood prone districts. Income derived from the programme by the local population provides an alternative source of income when flooding occurs.