HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 c580
33. Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are being taken by the Overseas Development Administration to reduce the social and economic disparities that exist between the EU and new democracies in central and eastern Europe. [15270]

Mr. Hanley

We contribute to the reduction of social and economic disparities between the EU and the countries of the region through the know-how fund. This aims to support their transition to a pluralist democracy and a market economy. More than £230 million has been spent since its inception in 1989.

We also provide assistance through our membership of the multilateral institutions that operate in the region, in particular the EU, the European bank for reconstruction and development, the European investment bank and the World bank.

Mr. Mackinlay

I welcome the information given by the Minister. I wonder whether he would use his good offices and give consideration to the need for British newspapers to be available in all the further and higher education institutions of Russia and the former communist bloc countries. Countless young men and women are desperate to read and consume information about the United Kingdom but do not have access to a quality British newspaper. Surely it would be a small contribution if the United Kingdom made available those newspapers in such places, outside the main capital cities?

Mr. Hanley

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that newspapers are available in British Council offices and libraries. They are also available on the streets of many countries in central and eastern Europe. There are some newspapers that I would not want those people to see anyway.

Sir Patrick Cormack

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in many cases, the communities that the hon. Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) mentioned would be much better served by adequate provision of the BBC World Service? Does he also agree that British Council offices should never be closed in parts of former communist Europe?

Mr. Hanley

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that point. The British Council is reviewing its operations at the moment. The World Service will continue to be an excellent service, and I believe that my hon. Friend's praise for the World Service and the British Council is echoed throughout the House.

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