Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what support and methods of assistance they are offering to victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan in the light of a prohibition on contact between male rescuers and female victims.

We have released £4 million in emergency funding to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to those affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. These funds are channelled through the UN, Red Cross and non-governmental organisations with a track record of delivery in the affected area. Our funding includes support for mobile health teams, essential hygiene items for women, maternal care and psychological support to address the most acute needs of women and girls. Reports from partners indicate aid is reaching those most at need and we continue to monitor to ensure support is accessible for all vulnerable women and girls and that women can play a full role in the response. The needs and priorities of women and girls are at the core of the UK's humanitarian response and we are committed to ensuring that at least 50 per cent of people reached by UK aid in Afghanistan are women and girls.