§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the Overseas Development Administration spent on contracted external professional services in 1992–93 and 1993–94; what types of services were provided; and how much expenditure related to(a) the Overseas Development Administration's internal administration and (b) the aid programme.
§ Mr. BaldryTotal expenditure on contracted professional services for 1992–93 and 1993–94 was £204 million and £256 million, respectively. Less than I per cent. of this related to consultancy advice to assist our internal management of the aid programme. The remainder was aid programme expenditure relating to the provision of professional services to assist over 80 overseas Governments with the implementation of their development programmes. The services provided include conventional consultancy advice—about 25 per cent. of the total—and project and programme management services provided by external private and public sector organisations such as the British Council.