§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review the distribution of Government aid to overseas countries and to prevent such aid from being absorbed by officials of recipient countries.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe possibility of diversion of aid for illicit purposes is considered at all stages in the planning and administration of the aid programme. Most procurement is undertaken by ODA's Overseas Appointments and Contract Department or through registered British procurement agents subject to ODA monitoring, with goods and services generally obtained from United Kingdom sources. Implementation of projects and programmes in the recipient country is, where appropriate, supervised by British consultants or technical co-operation officers on contract to the ODA. Progress at all stages is monitored by ODA advisers, often located in regional offices for more direct and frequent access.
These mechanisms and procedures are continually reviewed to ensure that aid continues to achieve its intended objectives.