To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to the answer of 12 June 2007, Official Report, column 1017W, on Palestine: EC aid, what the main conclusions of the European Commission and World Bank report into the effectiveness of the temporary international mechanism were; what changes have been made to the mechanism or its administration in light of the report; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report. (168388)

The European Commission (EC) released the interim evaluation of the temporary international mechanism (TIM) in October. This concluded that the TIM had successfully maintained basic services; acted rapidly and efficiently and addressed the most urgent priorities.

It concluded that no changes were needed to improve its efficiency or effectiveness, but that future support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) should build the capacity of institutions, through greater integration with PA systems. We are working with the EC to ensure that future funding incorporates the lessons from the TIM Review.

A copy of the report will be placed in the Library.