Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 2 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 February 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much (a) financial assistance, (b) logistical assistance and (c) assistance in kind has been provided to Engineers Without Borders UK by his Department for the programme in Bario with the Organisation for Sustainable Engineering in South East Asian Nations since its inception; and if he will make a statement; what assessment his Department has undertaken of the (a) economic, (b) social and (c) humanitarian impact of the Organisation for Sustainable Engineering in the South East Asian Nations project undertaken by Engineers Without Borders UK in Bario; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how much (a) financial assistance, (b) logistical assistance and (c) assistance in kind has been provided to Engineers Without Borders UK by his Department for the programme in Bario with the Organisation for Sustainable Engineering in South East Asian Nations since its inception; and if he will make a statement; [214753] (2) what assessment his Department has undertaken of the (a) economic, (b) social and (c) humanitarian impact of the Organisation for Sustainable Engineering in the South East Asian Nations project undertaken by Engineers Without Borders UK in Bario; and if he will make a statement. [214754] Hilary Benn: DFID is aware of the good work undertaken by Engineers without Borders UK and their international network of associate organisations. EWB have made a positive impact upon peoples lives through the placement of engineering students in developing countries and by supporting related small-scale research projects. The universities and companies that support the scheme and students who volunteer are to be congratulated. However, Malaysia is a relatively wealthy country and does not receive any support from DFID. We have therefore provided no funding for EWB nor undertaken any assessment of their work in Bario.

Secondary information