To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Sierra Leone; what discussions they have had with the government of Sierra Leone; and what plans they have to review their assistance programme to that country. [HL3805]

The situation has been thoroughly assessed as part of country planning over the past 12 months. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Ivan Lewis, visited Sierra Leone on 1 and 2 April and discussed these issues with the president and political leaders. The Department for International Development's (DfID) office in Freetown also works closely with the Government of Sierra Leone in all of the sectors of engagement covered by the country plan. Regular monitoring of indicators will ensure the DfID programme is reviewed through the country plan in accordance with DfID procedures. The country plan will be reviewed annually to take account of developments in the country.