Malawi pledge as development budget doubles to £9m

SCOTLAND'S international development budget is to be doubled to £9 million, the Executive will pledge today.

The increase will take place over the remaining life of this parliament over the next four years, Linda Fabiani, the external affairs minister, will say. She will also commit the Executive to continue working with Malawi, the impoverished African country picked out for special assistance by Jack McConnell's administration.

An Executive aid budget of £3 million was launched in 2005 and was later increased to £4.5 million.

Ms Fabiani will make the announcement at a meeting of aid organisations. She will tell the gathering the doubling of the budget would involve a policy review to ensure the fund targeted those in greatest need.

"I can also confirm that our commitment to supporting Malawi will continue, with the current level of support being maintained at a minimum £3 million per year," she will say.