§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the switching of resources from corporate service divisions to frontline operational divisions, stating the amounts of resources in each case. [175747]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID recognises the importance of maximising the share of administration resources available for front-line activities. From 2002–03 to 2005–06, the percentage of DFID's administration budget used by corporate service divisions will have fallen from 7.7 per cent. to 6.8 per cent. This will have released an additional £2.2m for front line activities compared with maintaining the same ratio. DFID plans to accelerate achievement of savings beyond 2005–6 as new systems are introduced, reducing further the proportion of administration costs going to service divisions. Specific targets are subject to the outcome of the Spending Review.