To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff have (a) been dismissed and (b) had their contract terminated by his Department in each of the last five years; what the reason was in each case; and what the severance costs in relation to (i) dismissal and (ii) contract termination were in each such year. (290553)

In each of the last five financial years the number of Home Civil Service staff dismissed was less than five. Providing the specific numbers could potentially identify individuals concerned and so breach confidentiality.