To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bates on 27 November (HL11513), how they (1) monitor, and (2) evaluate the success of programmes they fund in Pakistan; and what methods they use to check that aid provided is used for its intended purpose.

DFID Pakistan uses a range of approaches to monitor and evaluate our programmes. Every programme within the portfolio is required to develop a comprehensive monitoring plan to enable assessment of whether the programme is achieving planned results. Programmes use different monitoring arrangements depending on the context, which include a range of internal approaches including field visits and annual reviews as well as independent, external monitoring arrangements. Programmes gather a broad range of evidence to support the management of their programmes and to facilitate robust assessment, including through formal evaluation. Evaluations are carefully selected to ensure their findings add as much value as possible.

DFID has a zero tolerance approach to aid diversion. We have a rigorous set of standard controls and measures to protect UK aid and ensure it reaches those for whom it is intended and delivers results. Our programmes carefully consider aid diversion controls across the programme cycle. Partners are carefully selected and scrutinised to ensure they can manage and deliver the intended programme results. We ensure that the partners we fund apply similar controls and have effective safeguards in place to protect UK aid from being diverted.