Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 5 November 2008 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Poverty

Question: Given that response, why does the Under-Secretary not announce today that he will implement in full the Conservative party's proposal to set up an independent aid evaluation agency in London? Would not that give taxpayers confidence that their aid money was being spent efficiently and effectively?

Answer: The 2006 OECD Development Assistance Committee peer review of the United Kingdom states:"““UK offers a powerful model for development co-operation. The UK is currently seen by many aid practitioners and donors as one of the bilateral models for today's evolving world of development co-operation.””" The Canadian International Development Agency stated:"““DFID is seen as the best development organisation internationally””." The hon. Gentleman should congratulate one of the UK's greatest success stories.

Secondary information