§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the assistance being given to(a) Malawi, (b) Mozambique, (c) Zimbabwe and (d) other African countries affected by the current drought. [56422]
§ Clare ShortThe drought has affected several southern African countries. In Malawi my Department has provided £5.1 million in food relief delivered through local non-governmental organisations and £1.12 million has been provided for the purchase of seeds and fertilisers for a winter crop. In Mozambique, together with other donors, we have assisted the Government with agricultural inputs for poor farmers affected by drought. In Zimbabwe we have provided £7.5 million through the UN and through NGOs, largely to feed children and their mothers. We are in contact with national and UN teams assessing the food situation in the region and will consider what further help is required once full details become available.