§ 35. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the impact of the know-how fund.[36787]
§ Mr. HanleyThe know-how fund is making a substantial contribution to economic and political reform. There are many examples of its successful impact in the annual report for 1995–96, which was published on 15 July. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. MarshallI thank my right hon. Friend for that answer and for emphasising the success of the know-how fund. Does he agree that our improving relations with the emerging democracies of central Europe will be fully strengthened only when those countries become members of the European Union and contribute to that body?
§ Mr. HanleyCertainly enlargement is part of our ambition for them.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat help is being given to deal with the problems of the crumbling sarcophagus at Chernobyl?
§ Mr. HanleyI am sorry; could the hon. Gentleman repeat the question? I did not hear it properly.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat help is being given to deal with the crumbling sarcophagus at Chernobyl, which is creating a real nuclear danger?
§ Mr. HanleyI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for repeating his question. I do not know the detail about the matter. I shall have to find out from my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Upminster (Sir N. Bonsor), who has responsibility for Ukraine. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman and let him have the answer.