§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for democracy in Albania; and if he will make a statement. [15780]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThere has been significant progress in democracy in Albania in recent years. However, Council of Europe reports make it clear that deficiencies remain. We continue to press the Albanian Government both bilaterally and through the EU for improvements in democratic practices and for the involvement of all parties in the process of constitutional reform.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements exist to ensure that payments from the know-how fund and other aid funds to Albania are used effectively and are not subject to any corrupt practices; and if he will make a statement. [15784]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThe know-how fund provides support for Albania by funding the costs of British expertise, or know-how, for specific projects. The fund closely monitors and evaluates all its projects, both as they are running and after they are complete. In this way, it can ensure that the projects are correctly and cost-effectively implemented and have achieved their objectives. The fund also employs independent consultants to assess the success and impact of the projects it funds.
Other British aid funds to Albania come from the emergency aid department of the Overseas Development Administration. In 1996–97 its support has so far consisted of a single grant of £100,000 to a World Health Organisation programme for prevention of poliomyelitis. This programme was evaluated in January 1997 by an EMAD staff member and found to be satisfactory.
For EC programmes, to which we also contribute, there are separate procedures, agreed by the member states, for ensuring that funds are correctly spent.
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§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Albanian authorities about the conduct of the Albanian police in dealing with recent public protests; and if he will make a statement. [15778]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe are appalled by the violence used by both police and demonstrators in Vlora. We have made clear our views to the Albanian authorities.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the(a) role and (b) profits of United Kingdom consultancy firms in Albania; and if he will make a statement. [15779]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThere are a number of UK consultancies active in Albania, working under contract to a variety of organisations. We do not hold information on their respective profits.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the contribution of smuggling to the Albanian economy; and if he will make a statement. [15781]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThere are no reliable estimates of the effect of smuggling on the Albanian economy. Our aim is to see a prosperous and stable Albania. We therefore strongly support the work of the International Monetary Fund, which has implemented an economic reform programme in Albania.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the level of pyramid selling in Albania; when he expects that problem to be resolved; and what contribution Her Majesty's Government are making to resolving the problem. [15783]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorAlbanian media reports suggest that 50 to 70 per cent. of the population may have invested money in pyramid schemes. The problem is therefore unlikely to be resolved quickly. The United Kingdom has offered technical expertise through the UK know-how fund to help the Albanian Government. With our EU partners, we are considering whether there is a role for the EU.