Clause 8 - Arrangements with third parties
International Development Bill [Lords]
12:00 pm
Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden, Conservative)
It has been useful to debate this probing amendment, because I have learned from it something that I did not know. The range of percentages spent on administration is interesting, and if we had not had the debate I would still be in the dark on that fact. I do not know whether those figures are published anywhere.
Tantalisingly, at the end, the Minister said that there must be consistency between what the Government themselves do and what they expect third parties to do. It would be interesting to see a breakdown of the administrative costs of Government-funded initiatives. That would create a new degree of transparency, which would help to deal with the public's concern, to which I alluded, that their money is spent on the projects for which they intended it. The public accept that a reasonable percentage must be spent on administration, but they would find it interesting to know how the process is undertaken and what the outcome is.
I took on board the point made by the hon. Member for Workington about the need to strike a balance. We were originally asking for more diligent auditing of where our money went and what it achieved, recognising that that comes with a certain administrative burden. Of course that balance must be struck, but I would reassert that there is a need to check thoroughly how the money is spent. That will inspire the public to go on being as generous as they are and allow this country to enjoy a good reputation for providing aid effectively.
My purpose in moving the amendment was to initiate a discussion on the matter. We have done so, and I am satisfied. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 8 ordered to stand part of the Bill.