HC Deb 22 July 1996 vol 282 cc17-8
35. Mr. John Marshall

To 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. Hanley

The 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. Marshall

I 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. Hanley

Certainly enlargement is part of our ambition for them.

Mr. Dalyell

What help is being given to deal with the problems of the crumbling sarcophagus at Chernobyl?

Mr. Hanley

I am sorry; could the hon. Gentleman repeat the question? I did not hear it properly.

Mr. Dalyell

What help is being given to deal with the crumbling sarcophagus at Chernobyl, which is creating a real nuclear danger?

Mr. Hanley

I 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.