Written question asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 9 June 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2015 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Bhutan: Overseas Aid

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funds in aid and development assistance have been made available to Bhutan in each of the past three years; and for what purpose.

Answer: The UK contributes to aid and assistance in Bhutan primarily through the EU. The EU development programme for Bhutan from 2007-2013 was €14 million and focused on support for renewable natural resources and enhancing good governance. The 2014-2020 programme is a €42 million package focused on strengthening civil society, supporting local governance and developing sustainable rural livelihoods by enhancing food and nutrition security and generating employment opportunities.

There was no bilateral spend in financial years 2013-14 or 2014-15. In financial year 2012-13 the UK spent:

• £15,000 on a high-level visit to the UK headed by the Bhutanese Chief Justice. The purpose of the visit was to develop relationships in the field of judicial and advocacy training, explore ways of developing cooperation and mutually beneficial trade links.

• £14,610 on a Chevening Scholarship for a Bhutanese journalism scholar.

Secondary information