The Earl of Carlisleasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to join the Republic of Estonia in celebrating its 80th anniversary of independence.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)My Lords, we were glad to welcome President Men of Estonia to the United Kingdom in February. In addition the United Kingdom is taking part in a wide range of commemorative events in Estonia this year. These include a programme of ships visits and a British Week in Tallinn in October. Other events will be announced as they are confirmed. These events underscore the significant role played by Britain, and in particular by the Royal Navy, in Estonia's struggle for independence in 1918.
The Earl of CarlisleMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her delightful reply. Will she join with me in wishing HMS "Westminster", its captain, Commander Peter Walpole, and its crew bon voyage on their visit to Estonia in June? Is she aware that the last time the Royal Navy visited that part of the Baltic it went in force and destroyed with shellfire the one bridge over the River Narva? During their presidency of the European Union will Her Majesty's Government set in motion steps to rebuild a bridge over the River Narva so that trade with the Russian Federation can be improved and communications between Europe and Russia can also be enhanced?
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMy Lords, I certainly join the noble Earl in his good wishes. I believe that his knowledge of Estonia is second to no other in your Lordships' House. His historical analysis of our relationship is of great interest. However, I am not in a position to make any spending commitments on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. The United Kingdom Government are doing what they can to further the application of Estonia to join the EU and using the know-how fund in the pre-accession arrangements that have been put in place.
§ Baroness RawlingsMy Lords, given that the Foreign Secretary has said that the main concern of the British presidency is to get the negotiations on European enlargement off to a flying start, what lead are the Government taking to ensure that other EU member 610 states are equally committed to the enlargement process by providing the financial assistance necessary to help countries such as Estonia and second wave countries like Bulgaria which may leapfrog the process?
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMy Lords, we have started the accession negotiations with the applicant countries. Those which are in the best position are starting first. Subsequent accessions will be dealt with as quickly as possible. Her Majesty's Government hope that enlargement will be a success, and we have a record for encouraging the enlargement process. To that end, we are using the United Kingdom's know-how fund to help countries which wish to join the EU to adapt their legislation and administration to meet the demands of EU membership. To that end, the know-how fund spent £86.5 million in the year 1995ߝ96. I believe that we are encouraging our partner countries to do the same by setting a very good example.
§ The Earl of LauderdaleMy Lords, since the Minister referred to Bulgaria, can she inform the House whether that country's admission will be subject to her abandonment of any claim to Romania in the future?
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMy Lords, the Foreign Office has equipped me with information on 50 possible supplementary questions. I regret to say that all of them deal with Estonia and not Bulgaria, but I shall write to the noble Earl on the point that he has raised.