HC Deb 19 December 1989 vol 164 cc189-91W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list, for each of the countries of the Warsaw pact, the terms of the grants and loans, over the last year, to which the United Kingdom has contributed.

Mr. Ryder

These are as follows:

Mr. Lilley

The information the hon. Member requested is as follows.

POLAND:

Know-How Fund of £50 million over 5 years (grant) The general aim is to finance projects and training in political and economic skills that will underpin democracy and assist economic reform. There are no specific terms.

$100 million contribution to $1 billion Stabilisation Fund (grant) Terms are that an economic adjustment programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund should he in place. The Stabilisation Fund will be available to support policies aimed at liberalisation of payments and transfers for current international transactions. Its management will be agreed between the contributors and the Polish authorities.

300 million ecu aid (for Poland and Hungary) (grant) Although not disbursed, provision has been included in the 1990 European Community budget. No terms are attached but it is intended that the money be used in areas such as imports of pesticides and agricultural machinery, environmental protection and training that will help with restructuring the economy.

100 million ecu emergency food Aid (for Poland and Hungary) (grant) Aid agreed by Community agriculture Council last July to cover shortages of beef and cereals. Mostly from 1989 EC budget, but small part from 1990 EC budget.

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