§ 19. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has to extend the scope of the know-how funds in the Baltic states and Georgia. [36872]
§ Mr. RifkindThe know-how fund will continue to provide rapid and flexible assistance to the reform process in the Baltic states. During the visit of Mr. Shevardnadze, the President of Georgia, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced the doubling of know-how fund assistance to his country—to US$2 million.
§ Mr. FlynnIs the Secretary of State impressed by the lessons from the Baltic states on the effect of the devolution of power to the state of Latvia, which has a smaller population than Scotland, and Estonia, which has a smaller population than Wales? Having learnt that lesson, will he note the great value of the know-how fund in precisely targeting projects there and providing pump-priming to them? Will he continue with the very fine work initiated in Georgia, which is more at peace than it has been for many years, to ensure that country the same benefits from the know-how fund?
§ Mr. RifkindThe hon. Gentleman would be slightly unwise to describe Latvia's new status as being the result of a policy of devolution. That is not how most people would describe what happened to the old Soviet Union. The know-how fund is a most valuable way to assist reform in those countries. I believe that it has been very warmly welcomed.