To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what management and accounting mechanisms are in place to audit financial aid from his Department to Sierra Leone delivered through the (a) World Bank, (b) United Nations and (c) African Development Bank. (269989)

The Department for International Development (DFID) has developed a number of formal documents which cover financial relationships with the multilateral agencies. These ensure consistent strict financial reporting arrangements are maintained. When necessary DFID undertakes independent audits of funds used in joint programmes.

Standardised reporting relationships, for both financial resources and measuring impact, are beneficial to DFID and our development partners. These agreements are regularly reviewed to ensure they are contemporary and reflect new legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of financial aid provided for construction in Sierra Leone is directed to local contractors; and how many Sierra Leonean companies are contracted to carry out construction work funded by his Department. (270026)

All of the aid that the Department for International Development (DFID) has provided for construction in Sierra Leone has been channelled through local contractors. We have awarded contracts to over 250 registered construction companies across the country.