To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contracts his Department has with external consultants; what the total value, including all VAT and disbursements, of these contracts is for the current financial year; how long each contract lasts; and what the forecast total value is of each contract. (163812)

The information requested could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

DFID contracts external consultants with technical expertise to deliver development projects and programmes around the world. Consultants undertake humanitarian relief operations, respond to requests from partner governments for advice on complex economic and administrative reforms, and help improve health and education services, all with the objective of reducing poverty and improving the lives of people in developing countries.