To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on how many occasions since 1st January 2000 his Department has summarily dismissed a member of its staff earning more than £40,000 per annum and serving overseas without there being any allegation either of misconduct or gross misconduct and without any written warning being given to the employee prior to dismissal. (141853)

DFID has dismissed three employees since 1 January 2000 who fall within the criteria set out in the question. They were all dismissed following legal advice and in line with the terms of their contracts.