§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment of the cost-effectiveness of United Kingdom contributions to United Nations development programmes he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonI regret the delay in answering this question. The British contribution to the United Nations development programme cannot be separately evaluated, as it comprises an unconditional grant to the programme's central funds.
We have not made an independent assessment of the cost effectiveness of the programme. The United Nations development programme has its own evaluation process, and an annual report is made on this work to the governing council, of which the United Kingdom is a member. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
The United Nations development programme is also subject to inquiry from within the work programme of the United Nations' joint inspection unit.