HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1138-9W
Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the percentage of farmers in Malawi who will receive seed and fertiliser as overseas aid for planting 2003's crop. [73402]

Clare Short

DFID is currently discussion with Malawi Government and other potential donors the options for supply of inputs for the 2002–03 crop. These discussions will take account of the national food needs and the availability of finance for this and other interventions within an overall National Food Security Programme. Agreement is expected within the next three weeks to enable registration and required procurement to proceed in a timely manner.