§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds the Government have made available for the promotion of democratic trade unionism in eastern Europe; and how that money has been allocated.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have made available money to assist eastern European countries in their transition to democracy and a market economy. This takes the form of a know-how fund for eastern Europe which is administered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Any requests from eastern European countries for assistance within the area of democratic trade unionism will be considered on their merit and funds allocated accordingly.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requests have been received from trades unions and the Trades Union Congress for funds for the promotion of democratic trade unionism in eastern Europe; and what action has been taken.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe joint assistance unit in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which administers the know-how fund for eastern Europe has not received any proposals for assistance in this area from the United Kingdom trade union movement. In order to keep in touch with trade union views a senior union leader is a member of the know-how fund advisory board.