Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many visits have been undertaken by staff from his Department to (a) Sierra Leone, (b) Nigeria, (c) Angola, (d) Namibia, (e) Malawi, (f) Zambia, (g) Tanzania, (h) Kenya, (i) Uganda and (j) Ethiopia in each of the last three years; and for what purpose, in each case.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many visits have been undertaken by staff from his Department to (a) Sierra Leone, (b) Nigeria, (c) Angola, (d) Namibia, (e) Malawi, (f) Zambia, (g) Tanzania, (h) Kenya, (i) Uganda and (j) Ethiopia in each of the last three years; and for what purpose, in each case. [224299] Hilary Benn: Visits to these countries are a frequent and routine aspect of programme management and administrative support to DFID overseas offices. Visits include those from Ministers and senior officials, project and programme design missions, policy and technical advisers, missions to assist in the monitoring and evaluation of DFID programmes, and support to the management and running of DFID in-country offices in areas such as staff training, audit and accounts, estates management and communications. To obtain the information requested would incur a disproportionate cost.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1198W; 224299
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Civil servants Civil service Department for International Development Africa Official visits
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk