To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what performance indicators his Department uses to measure the effectiveness of its response in providing emergency relief aid following a natural disaster; and if he will make a statement. (206336)

The Department for International Development (DFID) funds organisations that subscribe and adhere to, as far as is practicable, internationally accepted standards of humanitarian assistance and good practice including the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response laid out by the Sphere Project. The standards relate to:

1. Participation

2. Initial assessment

3. Response

4. Targeting

5. Monitoring

6. Evaluation

7. Aid worker competencies and responsibilities

8. Supervision, management and support of personnel.

Each of the above standards contains minimum standards, key indicators and guidance notes. More information can be found at

www.sphereproject.org

DFID receives reporting and monitors the activities of its partners in meeting standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with which companies his Department has contracts to supply air freight services in response to humanitarian needs caused by natural disasters; and if he will make a statement. (206337)

Hanover Aviation Ltd was recently awarded a contract by the Department for International Development (DFID) to provide Aviation Brokerage Services to DFID and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). This followed their success in a tendering exercise conducted under EU Procurement Rules.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with which companies his Department has a contract or contracts to supply emergency relief including food, waste purification and tents in response to humanitarian needs caused by natural disasters; and if he will make a statement. (206338)

The Department for International Development (DFID) maintains a stockpile of emergency relief supplies. Where the necessary supplies are not available from the stockpile, DFID procures them in accordance with EU procurement directives. DFID does not have long-term agreements with any providers of relief supplies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what performance measures his Department includes in contracts with companies supplying and freighting UK Government emergency aid relief following natural disasters; and if he will make a statement. (206347)

Each contract issued by the Department for International Development (DFID) follows best practice procurement processes and includes individual performance targets. All commodities supplied are subject to independent inspection for quality, suitability and contract compliance.