§ Baroness Ellesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider their position regarding aid to Malawi, in the light of the possibility of a referendum on a multi-party system.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)We welcome the Malawi Government's decision to hold a referendum on multi-party democracy, and other indications that they are taking seriously the need to redress human rights conditions. We trust that the referendum will be conducted fairly and that those calling for democratic changes will be allowed to campaign freely and openly. But the improvements made so far are not sufficient evidence of the fundamental change in the Malawi Government's approach to human rights and good government, which we, our EC partners and other donors are seeking. We keep our position under regular review, but for the moment will continue to concentrate new aid on humanitarian relief, and projects to help the poorest.