HC Deb 08 December 1993 vol 234 cc265-6W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are used in allocating Government funds to non-governmental organisations working overseas.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

For humanitarian aid we require proposals addressing the assessed needs. The key objective in allocating Government funds in such circumstances is saving lives. The size and scope of the disaster, steps being taken by the local government or by the Red Cross or Red Crescent Society and action taken or proposed by United Nations organisations and other non-governmental organisations are also important factors affecting our decisions.

Funds for long-term development are allocated for activities which are judged to contribute to our aim of promoting sustainable economic and social development and improving the quality of life for poor people generally. Organisations must proviede evidence that they have the capacity to carry out the projects or programmes for which they have sought support. They must also demonstrate that they are able to account properly for the funds.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what methods are used to monitor the spending of non-governmental organisations working overseas that receive financial grants from Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

For disaster relief we receive both narrative and financial reports from non-governmental organisations on the spending of grants. The regularity of reporting depends on the period covered by the grant.

Organisations receiving funds for long-term development work submit regular financial and progress reports and a final report is submitted on completion of the work.

We also undertaken periodic evaluations, in cooperation with NGOs, of their development work and their systems for assessing its effectiveness.