§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response to requests for aid to Romania has been made since the change of Government in that country.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe donated a consignment of medical supplies on 24 December and several items of medical equipment since then. We are treating a number of seriously injured victims of the December fighting for major surgery, at a cost yet to be determined. In addition, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs announced on 7 February, we have agreed to donate 1 million disposable syringes worth £40,000. We are contributing about £5.8 million to the food aid and medical supplies packages sent or agreed so far by the EC. The British Council is supporting new projects in the cultural field at a cost of £100,000.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced on 22 January that the existing know-how fund for Poland and Hungary would be widened to cover other countries of eastern Europe once they are firmly committed to reform. I hope that Romania will qualify for assistance in that context.