§ 33. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is being offered to former Soviet bloc countries from the know-how fund in the current year; and if he will make a statement. [32641]
§ Mr. HanleyPlanned assistance for central and eastern Europe and central Asia through the know-how fund in the current financial year is £82 million.
§ Mr. LlwydI thank the Minister for that reply. Last November, I had the good fortune to visit Belarus 20 and the Ukraine. What assistance is being given to the Ukraine, given its worsening economic circumstances?
§ Mr. HanleyThe hon. Gentleman asks a rather specific question. The know-how fund has helped to privatise retail food outlets in Kiev. It is now helping the new owners to set up a retailers association to strengthen their bargaining power. I shall give the hon. Gentleman a fuller answer in writing, including some of the figures, and place a copy of my letter in the Library.