{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25&_metadata=all", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&_page=0&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135512", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135512/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
DFID is concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the east and Horn of Africa. This is a result of poor rainfall across much of the region and political instability and insecurity, including in Sudan and South Sudan.<\/p>
<\/p>
In Somalia, drought and subsequent widespread crop failure and decline in livestock productivity has resulted in a projected increase in people experiencing acute food insecurity, from 1.7 million to 2.2 million by August 2019. DFID has recently allocated £8 million to support both emergency, life-saving interventions, and longer-term resilience actions focusing on sustainable water supply and the protection of livelihoods. This brings our total humanitarian spend in Somalia in 2019 to £40 million.<\/p>
<\/p>
In Ethiopia, the humanitarian situation remains challenging. The 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) seeks US$1.314 billion to reach 8.3 million people with emergency food and non-food assistance. DFID has currently allocated £30 million to meet emergency food and non-food needs. The Department supports the Government of Ethiopia\u2019s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) that reaches 8 million chronically food insecure people in drought affected regions with conditional cash transfers. DFID plans to contribute £16.7 million to the PSNP this year.<\/p>
<\/p>
DFID will continue to monitor the situation and press the international community to commit further support where it is needed. DFID will also continue to support communities and states in the east and Horn of Africa 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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-08T15:22:53.11Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "East Africa: Droughts"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian effect of the drought in (a) Somalia, (b) Ethiopia and (c) the rest of the East and Horn of Africa; and what steps he is taking to support people at risk of food insecurity.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4434", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen Gethins"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North East Fife"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Gethins"} ], "uin" : "270760"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135513", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135513/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
DFID is concerned by deteriorating levels of food security in the Horn of Africa. This is a result of poor rainfall across much of the region and political instability and insecurity, including in Sudan and South Sudan.<\/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. In Ethiopia, DFID supports the Government of Ethiopia\u2019s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) that reaches 8 million chronically food insecure people in drought affected regions with conditional cash transfers. DFID plans to contribute £16.7 million to the PSNP this year. In Sudan, the UK has already 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>
DFID will 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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-08T15:23:56.46Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Horn of Africa: Food"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the potential level of deterioration in food security throughout the greater Horn of Africa during September 2019; and what steps he is taking to ensure the urgent increase in activity to tackle the predicted large-scale emergency assistance needs.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4434", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen Gethins"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North East Fife"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Gethins"} ], "uin" : "270761"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135531", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135531/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Stopping deforestation is essential to protect biodiversity, tackle climate change and promote sustainable economic development. DFID works to address the underlying causes of deforestation, such as stopping illegal logging and related corruption, ending unsustainable practices in the production of palm oil, cocoa and other agricultural commodities, and helping local communities to secure recognised legal rights to the forests which they depend on for their livelihoods.<\/p>
For example, support to the Mapping for Rights initiative has helped over 1,000 communities in the Congo Basin map their forest lands covering more than seven million hectares. The communities use these maps as the basis for claims to secure their rights and to help ensure that the forests they depend on are not allocated to logging concessions.<\/p>
Work to tackle deforestation is funded through the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate programme (£250m, 2011-21), which is tackling illegal logging and promoting trade in legal timber and Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use (£107m, 2015-23), through which DFID funds Partnerships for Forests (P4F). P4F works with companies to develop new and sustainable approaches to growing agricultural commodities, which protect forests and provide sustainable livelihoods. DFID also funds work to protect forests through the Indonesia country programme.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-03T16:11:59.66Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Rainforests: Conservation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect old-growth rainforests and (b) support the communities that live in them.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1436", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Paul Farrelly"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newcastle-under-Lyme"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Paul Farrelly"} ], "uin" : "270721"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135554", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135554/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
DFID is following the impact of the drought in Western and Southern Zambia very closely and has visited affected areas to discuss the response with local authorities. The Government of Zambia has not yet declared an emergency but estimates that 1.5 million people will need emergency assistance over the next nine months. We are in contact with the Government\u2019s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and with the World Food Programme about how best to distribute food supplies in the event that the Government requests support. We are exploring with the UN the feasibility of emergency cash transfers and responding to a likely increase in acute malnutrition cases. DFID is also a key donor of the START fund, which funds non-governmental organisations responding to localised emergencies.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-08T15:20:09.133Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Zambia: Famine"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to provide additional aid to alleviate the impending famine in Zambia.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1490", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Madeleine Moon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bridgend"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mrs Madeleine Moon"} ], "uin" : "270725"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135555", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135555/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Maize production has dropped by over 50% in Western and Southern Zambia this year as a result of drought, showing just how vulnerable Zambian farmers are to climatic shocks. Through its Climate Smart Agriculture programme, DFID is supporting over 260,000 small-scale farmers to protect yields better from the impact of climate change. DFID is also supporting engagement between Zambian civil society organisations, the Zambian Government and the Food Reserve Agency on agricultural policy and on the implementation of the Government of Zambia\u2019s agricultural e-voucher reform programme, which has great potential to help smallholder farmers source inputs in a more timely fashion and promote agricultural diversification.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-08T15:21:00.163Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Zambia: Cereals"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to support the Zambian Government to ensure that farmers are able to purchase sufficient grain from Government food agencies.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1490", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Madeleine Moon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bridgend"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mrs Madeleine Moon"} ], "uin" : "270726"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135567", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135567/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The UK supports HPV vaccination programmes in developing countries through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. As Gavi\u2019s largest donor, the UK was a vocal advocate for inclusion of the HPV vaccine within its portfolio to help protect the most vulnerable girls from the leading cause of cervical cancer.<\/p>
<\/p>
Through Gavi support, 30 developing countries have taken their first steps toward HPV roll out with the aim of vaccinating 40 million girls by 2020. Affordability and high demand are also important considerations to enabling HPV vaccination programmes to be introduced. Gavi is helping overcome these by negotiating price reductions of the HPV vaccine to make it more affordable for poorer countries and by working with civil society in local communities to promote the benefits of the vaccine.<\/p>
<\/p>
The 2017 World Health Assembly Global Call for Action to eliminate cervical cancer has brought widespread attention on the importance of HPV. In anticipation of high global demand, the UK has encouraged Gavi to continue to bring in new vaccine manufacturers to support increased demand and to prioritise availability for the world\u2019s poorest people.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1466", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Wiltshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dr Andrew Murrison"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-03T15:51:35.013Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Developing Countries: Human Papillomavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to support the establishment of HPV vaccination programmes in developing countries.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/308", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry South"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Jim Cunningham"} ], "uin" : "270702"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135310", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135310/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
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>
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>
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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4107", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "West Worcestershire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Harriett Baldwin"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-02T14:19:26.143Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Horn of Africa: Food"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "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.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4603", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Preet Kaur Gill"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Edgbaston"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Preet Kaur Gill"} ], "uin" : "270429"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135448", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135448/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
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>
DFID\u2019s 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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4584", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sugg"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sugg"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "HL16770"} , {"_value" : "HL16771"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-10T15:59:57.297Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "International Assistance: Blockchain"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "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.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"} ], "uin" : "HL16769"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135449", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135449/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
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>
DFID\u2019s 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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4584", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sugg"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sugg"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "HL16769"} , {"_value" : "HL16771"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-10T15:59:57.34Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "International Assistance: Blockchain"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "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.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"} ], "uin" : "HL16770"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135450", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for International Development"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1135450/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
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>
DFID\u2019s 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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4584", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sugg"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sugg"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "HL16769"} , {"_value" : "HL16770"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-10T15:59:57.373Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "20"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "International Development"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "International Assistance: Blockchain"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "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.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1744", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Waverley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Viscount Waverley"} ], "uin" : "HL16771"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=International+Development&_page=1&max-ddpModified.=2019-07-01T17%3A15%3A03.627Z&min-AnswerDate=2019-06-25", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 36, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }