Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the importance of having a dedicated department staffed with personnel with experience in development to ensure (1) that aid is delivered effectively, and (2) the best investment on return for the UK taxpayer.

All Machinery of Government changes are a decision for the Prime Minister. At this point, no Machinery of Government changes have been announced for DFID. This government has confirmed its commitment to 0.7 and has set out a series of ambitious development targets in the manifesto. Development and humanitarian response are complex and take place in some of the most difficult, dangerous places in the world. The UK Government has a skilled workforce in the UK and around the world that ensures the UK takes an evidenced-led approach to aid and that our investments deliver value for money and reach the intended beneficiaries.