ONE of the outcomes of the Smith Commission should be a re-evaluation of how UK international aid is dispensed.
The Department for International Development (DfID) is responsible for dispensing the majority of aid, with the Scottish Government only being in control of a minuscule amount - most of which is targeted for Malawi.
DfID is regarded by most people in the charity sector in Scotland as being remote, non-responsive and patronising.
Scotland needs a larger handle on how international aid is dispensed. There are many highly-committed groups in Scotland struggling to support projects in Africa who would welcome a more generous settlement for Scotland.
This would empower them to make their contribution more effective. Even a one-tenth dispensation would make a remarkable difference and open up the debate on which causes deserve to be supported.
Julian Siann,
11 Rosslyn Crescent,
Edinburgh.
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