§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what grounds the Department agreed a contract with the Adam Smith Institute to offer support to the office of the Prime Minister; and what the purpose of the contract is. [137733]
§ Hilary BennThe purpose of this short-term project was to provide consultancy support to develop the necessary skills and systems to enable the newly established Prime Minister's Office, of the Palestinian Authority, to carry out its functions effectively. The Adam Smith Institute had undertaken related work in Palestine. This enabled them to respond quickly and appropriately to this urgent short-term need.