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1135310

registered interest
date	27/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Horn of Africa: Food
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the level of food security throughout the greater Horn of Africa in September 2019; and what steps his Department is taking to prepare for potential emergency assistance in that region during that month.
tabling member constituency	Birmingham, Edgbaston
tabling member printed	Preet Kaur Gill
uin	270429
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is concerned by deteriorating levels of food security in the Horn of Africa. This is largely a result of poor rainfall across much of the region and political instability and insecurity, including in Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is a world leader in supporting those at risk of food insecurity, and has taken early action across the region to save lives. This includes £8 million of additional support in Somalia to support emergency interventions and resilience, and £12 million in Ethiopia to support cash transfers to meet emergency food needs. In Sudan, DFID has contributed £30 million this fiscal year to humanitarian interventions. DFID will continue to monitor the situation closely and press the international community to commit further support where it is needed.</p><p> </p><p>DFID will also continue to support communities and states in the Horn to build resilience to crises and shocks. Our work on humanitarian early warning systems raises awareness of crises where food security is deteriorating, and we prioritise longer-term responses to support food security, including through agricultural programmes.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 02/07/2019 14:19:26 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
tabling member	4603 label Biography information for Preet Kaur Gill

1135448

registered interest
date	27/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	International Assistance: Blockchain
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making full use of the capabilities of blockchain-based smart contracts to protect the supply chain and ensure that major international aid and development projects are fully transparent, and that funding is secure.
tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
uin	HL16769
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is committed to best practice in the use of new digital technologies and we have set a vision for doing development in a digital world in our Digital Strategy. We have commissioned several reports to understand the effectiveness and potential of emerging blockchain technologies for international development. DFID also has several proof of concept pilots in design and implementation to test the potential of blockchain in, for example, humanitarian supply chains, tracking of UK aid funds, and to incentivise and reward environmentally sustainable farming practices. DFID is learning from these pilots and other projects to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of delivering aid.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s contracts are tendered in accordance with the EU Public Procurement Directive and the UK Public Procurement Regulations 2015, the focus of which is to ensure open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes set out in the regulations. This competitive approach helps ensure value for money in the delivery of UK aid. British companies have continued to be very successful in this competitive market with UK firms winning 80% of our contracts in 2018/19.</p> answering member printed Baroness Sugg grouped question UIN HL16770 HL16771 question first answered 10/07/2019 15:59:57 answering member 4584 label Biography information for Baroness Sugg
tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1135449

registered interest
date	27/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	International Assistance: Blockchain
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to help fund the further assessment and development of blockchain technologies for major infrastructure and international development projects, and (2) to ensure that the UK remains a centre of excellence and is a preferred jurisdiction for such contracts.
tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
uin	HL16770
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is committed to best practice in the use of new digital technologies and we have set a vision for doing development in a digital world in our Digital Strategy. We have commissioned several reports to understand the effectiveness and potential of emerging blockchain technologies for international development. DFID also has several proof of concept pilots in design and implementation to test the potential of blockchain in, for example, humanitarian supply chains, tracking of UK aid funds, and to incentivise and reward environmentally sustainable farming practices. DFID is learning from these pilots and other projects to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of delivering aid.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s contracts are tendered in accordance with the EU Public Procurement Directive and the UK Public Procurement Regulations 2015, the focus of which is to ensure open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes set out in the regulations. This competitive approach helps ensure value for money in the delivery of UK aid. British companies have continued to be very successful in this competitive market with UK firms winning 80% of our contracts in 2018/19.</p> answering member printed Baroness Sugg grouped question UIN HL16769 HL16771 question first answered 10/07/2019 15:59:57 answering member 4584 label Biography information for Baroness Sugg
tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1135450

registered interest
date	27/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	International Assistance: Blockchain
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support UK companies that are developing blockchain technology for the delivery of major international development contracts.
tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
uin	HL16771
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is committed to best practice in the use of new digital technologies and we have set a vision for doing development in a digital world in our Digital Strategy. We have commissioned several reports to understand the effectiveness and potential of emerging blockchain technologies for international development. DFID also has several proof of concept pilots in design and implementation to test the potential of blockchain in, for example, humanitarian supply chains, tracking of UK aid funds, and to incentivise and reward environmentally sustainable farming practices. DFID is learning from these pilots and other projects to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of delivering aid.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s contracts are tendered in accordance with the EU Public Procurement Directive and the UK Public Procurement Regulations 2015, the focus of which is to ensure open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes set out in the regulations. This competitive approach helps ensure value for money in the delivery of UK aid. British companies have continued to be very successful in this competitive market with UK firms winning 80% of our contracts in 2018/19.</p> answering member printed Baroness Sugg grouped question UIN HL16769 HL16770 question first answered 10/07/2019 15:59:57 answering member 4584 label Biography information for Baroness Sugg
tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1134801

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	International Planned Parenthood Federation: Sexual Offences
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of his Department’s response to the allegations of sexual misconduct within the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
tabling member constituency	Stone
tabling member printed	Sir William Cash
uin	269626
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK government take issues of fraud and sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment extremely seriously. As set out in DFID funding agreements with all partners, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has a clear obligation to report incidents to us.</p><p>Over the past year, IPPF’s Director General and IPPF’s Safeguarding Unit have taken significant steps to strengthen their internal systems and to shift culture at the organisation so that people feel safer and more able to report wrongdoing. Action taken by IPPF includes a Safeguarding Taskforce to review and improve overall processes; IPPF’s first employee engagement survey; a set of best-practice safeguarding policies and procedures, including an Independent Complaints Panel; an IPPF SafeReport, which provides a safe space for anyone – including staff, clients, volunteers or member of the public – to raise concerns.</p><p>We continue to regularly review IPPF against our high standards for safeguarding, whistleblowing, risk, governance and code of conduct, and we conduct regular assessments of their safeguarding procedures. In addition to recent safeguarding reforms, IPPF is currently conducting a review of its governance system and structures, which IPPF anticipate will take around six months. During this time DFID will monitor IPPF’s governance reforms closely and regularly.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 271337 question first answered 04/07/2019 16:06:38 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	288 label Biography information for Sir William Cash

1134908

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Yemen: World Food Programme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions he has had with representatives of the World Food Programme on the suspension of aid in Sana’a and other areas where aid is at risk of diversion.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
uin	269632
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/07/2019 answer text <p>The International Development Secretary and I met with David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), on Thursday 20 June to discuss WFP’s partial suspension of operations in Yemen. I also had a telephone call with David Beasley on Thursday 6 June to discuss the issue, and UK officials have engaged closely with WFP throughout recent months, including through the WFP Executive Board. These discussions are ongoing.</p><p> </p><p>For the sake of Yemenis in desperate need, we call on the Houthis to immediately end all restrictions on aid agencies and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2451 by allowing safe, rapid, and unhindered access for the humanitarian response and commercial supplies. The Houthis must cooperate with WFP and end their interference.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/07/2019 15:52:39 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1134909

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Yemen: World Food Programme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support he is providing to the World Food Programme to (a) import equipment into Yemen and (b) secure visas for that country its staff without delay.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
uin	269633
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK continues to call on all parties to comply with the UN Security Council Resolution 2451 by supporting the unhindered flow of humanitarian supplies and personnel into and across Yemen. This includes the entry of relevant humanitarian equipment as well as the swift issuing of visas to humanitarian workers. We regularly raise these points directly with all parties, including at the highest levels.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to our £35 million of support to the World Food Programme this financial year (2019/20), UK aid is also supporting the UN Humanitarian Air Service (which is administered by WFP) to improve access for humanitarian workers across the country.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/07/2019 15:53:39 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1134910

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Yemen: World Food Programme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support his Department is providing to the World Food Programme to operate in Government-controlled areas in Yemen.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
uin	269634
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK government is providing the World Food Programme (WFP) with £35 million in support of their work in Yemen this financial year (2019/20). Our funding provides cash and vouchers to meet the immediate food needs of more than one million Yemenis every month across the country, including Government-controlled areas.</p><p> </p><p>The UK’s total commitment to Yemen since the conflict began in 2015 is £770 million. Approximately £171 million of this has been used to support WFP’s response to vulnerable people in need.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/07/2019 15:54:52 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1134911

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Yemen: Pollution Control
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to prevent pollution from the transport of barrels of oil along the coast of Hodeidah.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
uin	269635
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK remains concerned by the environmental risk posed by the by the Safer oil tanker, currently moored off Hodeidah. As Sir Mark Lowcock, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, recently remarked to the UN Security Council, if the tanker ruptures or explodes it could cause a ‘disaster’ for the environment, shipping lanes and global economy.</p><p> </p><p>The UK continues to engage with the UN and Saudi Arabia on the issue, following Saudi Arabia’s funding of a UN assessment mission. The UK calls on the Houthis to facilitate safe and rapid access to the Safer oil tanker so that the UN can carry out this vital work.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/07/2019 15:55:53 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1134912

registered interest
date	26/06/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Yemen: International Assistance
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the level of bureaucracy that impedes the operations of UN agencies and other international organisations in Yemen.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
uin	269636
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is deeply concerned by ongoing bureaucratic obstructions to the humanitarian response in Yemen, including delays and rejections to visa applications, the issuing of travel permits for periods shorter than required, and inconsistent processes for obtaining project permits. The 2018 and 2019 UN Panel of Experts reports concluded that Houthi authorities routinely obstruct humanitarian access throughout northern Yemen.</p><p> </p><p>We regularly raise obstructions to humanitarian access with all parties, including at the highest levels. The UK also calls on all parties to comply with the UN Security Council Resolution 2451 and support the unhindered flow of humanitarian supplies and personnel into and across Yemen.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/07/2019 15:56:53 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz