To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has allocated for (a) year end and (b) in-year bonuses in 2009-10. (302778)

The salary budget for 2009-10 is £104 million of which non-consolidated performance payments represented an estimated 1.27 per cent.¹

Awards are intended to reward delivery of personal business objectives during the reporting year or other short term personal contributions to wider organisational objectives and values.

Awards are funding within existing pay bill controls, have to be re-earned each year against the predetermined criteria above and as such do not add to future pay bill costs.

¹ Payments made are for the financial year indicated but relate to performance achieved in the previous reporting year.