European Community Humanitarian Office

HC Deb 09 June 2000 vol 351 cc410-1W

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to improve the performance of ECHO. [121096]

Mr. Foulkes

Two major independent evaluations of EU humanitarian aid were carried out in 1998 and 1999. These evaluations gave a positive overall assessment of ECHO's performance, but identified a number of areas for improvement. Last October the Commission produced a Communication in response to the evaluations, which set out an Action Plan to tackle the weaknesses. We broadly support the Commission's proposals, and are engaged in ensuring the Plan is implemented effectively. As part of this process, the Development Council has approved a resolution which will guide and encourage the Commission's actions.