Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 19 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 January 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of money spent on services provided by Adam Smith International Limited in connection with the reconstruction of Iraq; what additional contracts they have secured since September 2004; what expenditure his Department has allocated to the organisation for future spending; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of money spent on services provided by Adam Smith International Ltd. in connection with the reconstruction of Iraq; what additional contracts they have secured since September 2004; what expenditure his Department has allocated to the organisation for future spending; and if he will make a statement. [210499] Hilary Benn: Adam Smith International Ltd. won an open competition to implement the Emergency Public Administration Programme in Iraq. A Review was recently conducted on progress of the project. The review concluded that, despite the difficult security environment, Adam Smith International Ltd. has been effective in helping the Iraqi Interim Government set up structures at the centre of Government and in supporting Public Financial Management. Adam Smith International Ltd. has secured no additional contracts in Iraq since September 2004. No additional funds have been allocated for future spending specifically with Adam Smith International Ltd. Any future business will be subject to the European Union Directives. These ensure contracts are awarded through transparently fair and open processes.

Secondary information