Written Question:

Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of co-operation between his Department and British armed forces in Afghanistan. [210006]

Member Answering Question: The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development

Answer: Since UK expansion into Helmand province in June 2006, the effectiveness of co-operation between UK armed forces, the Department for International Development (DFID) and other UK civilian departments has been regularly assessed by officials and Ministers from DFID, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Co-operation has improved over the last two years, as the UK-led, joint civilian-military provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in Helmand has developed. Military and civilian are located in the PRT, working closely with the local Afghan government, undertaking joint planning, and making joint decisions on funding reconstruction projects. DFID's development advisor in the PRT has helped to ensure that development in Helmand is co-ordinated with the UK military's work and with DFID's nationwide development programmes.

An example of effective co-operation is the joint planning for the military operation in Musa Qala in December 2007, which resulted in more immediate and effective stabilisation after the military operation had concluded. Discussions are also underway on using military resources to make roads to market more secure, which will support the Department for International Development's (DFID) livelihoods and development programmes in the province.

The recently agreed Helmand Road Map is an operational guide for UK engagement in Helmand over the next two years and provides the key measures for assessing the future effectiveness of civil/military co-operation.