§ 1. Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde)When she last discussed with her colleagues from other member states of the European Union matters relating to the funding of training programmes designed to equip individuals and political parties in Kosovo to create local administrations and prepare for self-government for the province. [119351]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes)The support that we are providing to Kosovo is principally directed at the development of capacity to enable Kosovars to run their own administration. We are providing support for the establishment of Radio Television Kosovo as an impartial public broadcasting service, for civic and voter education and for the training of election officials. The European Union has committed 360 million euros this year, focused on energy, water supply, housing and transport. The United Kingdom's share is 61.2 million euros, which is the equivalent of £35.5 million at today's exchange rates.
§ Dr. GodmanI compliment my hon. Friend and his officials on the work that they are carrying out in Kosovo. However, there are conflicting views there on whether a Kosovo-wide election for an assembly should come before local elections. It would make good sense to hold local elections in the near future. Funding will be necessary, but at the heart of the setting up of such elections must be a guarantee of protection for minority groups throughout the province.
§ Mr. FoulkesI understand that there may be different views about the timing of elections. We are prepared to provide support for the administration of the election and 130 I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that the Westminster Foundation has also provided support to the political parties in Kosovo. We hope that there will be free and fair elections at all levels.
§ Madam SpeakerI call Mr. Pa—?
§ Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)Fabricant. Ominous! That was very off-putting.
Will the Minister join me in praising the work of the British Council in Kosovo and, indeed, elsewhere? Is he aware that although extra Government funds were made available to the British Council for education and training, those expired in March 2000? So far, no extra moneys have been allocated. Will the hon. Gentleman have an urgent meeting with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Treasury to ensure that moneys are made available so that the British Council can carry on with its excellent work?
§ Mr. FoulkesI understand why the hon. Gentleman was disconcerted. Perhaps Madam Speaker does not regularly read The Guardian sketch.
§ Mr. FabricantThe writer is not in the Press Gallery.
§ Mr. FoulkesThat means that I will not be in it, oh dear.
We value the work that the British Council is undertaking here and elsewhere. The central core funding of the council is provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it is open for the council to compete with other organisations for the sort of work that we provide. It has been successful in a number of those bids. I would be happy to talk to Baroness Scotland about the role of the British Council in Kosovo, as the hon. Gentleman requests.