§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to1384W support Taiwan as (a) a member and (b) an observer of the (i) World Health Organisation and (c) World Health Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [187600]
§ Mr. RammellThere are difficulties over Taiwanese involvement in a UN forum where statehood is a prerequisite for full membership. We would consider with our EU partners any proposals for Taiwanese involvement in the World Health Organisation which took account of these difficulties.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to promote within the EU Taiwan's case for deeper involvement in the(a) World Health Organisation and (b) World Health Assembly. [187601]
§ Mr. RammellIreland, speaking on behalf of all EU Member States at this year's World Health Association, expressed the EU's hope that the WHO Secretariat, and others organising technical meetings and working groups under WHO auspices, would show flexibility in finding mechanisms to allow Taiwanese medical and public health officials to participate in these activities. The Government fully endorse this view and will continue to look at ideas for finding that flexibility.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the efforts of Taiwan to play a constructive and appropriate role in(a) international health affairs and (b) international humanitarian issues; and if he will make a statement. [187602]
§ Mr. RammellI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him today (UIN 187601).
The Government welcomes Taiwanese assistance in international humanitarian issues through appropriate channels and in keeping with Taiwan's status.