HC Deb 13 February 1991 vol 185 cc517-8W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the principal achievements of his Department since June 1987.

Mr. Hurd

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Her Majesty's representatives overseas have protected and promoted British interests and pursued the Government's overseas objectives.

The United Kingdom has played a prominent part in bringing about constructive change in Europe. With other western partners we have promoted democracy and human rights in eastern Europe, a policy pursued over many years which has at last borne fruit. To help the further progress of eastern European countries the FCO is managing a programme of assistance—the know-how fund. The Government have joined others in setting up the European bank for reconstruction and development, whose headquarters will be in London.

The FCO played a leading part in the negotiations which completed the unification of Germany and the restoration of its sovereignty, a longstanding objective of British policy.

The United Kingdom contributed to the conclusion of a treaty on conventional forces in Europe which, if implemented, will enhance stability in Europe. This treaty, the charter of Paris, which was agreed at the summit meeting of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the NATO London declaration, form the foundation of a Europe with greater freedom and security for all.

In the European Community, the FCO has worked with other Government Departments for: completion of the single market (70 per cent. of legislation agreed); reform of the common agricultural policy, including the 1988 budget decision; strengthening European political co-operation; and a co-ordinated EC contribution to eastern Europe.

The United Kingdom has made a substantial contribution to change in South Africa where the release of Nelson Mandela and the opening of direct talks between the South African Government and the ANC are important achievements. We help black communities in South Africa.

At the United Nations the United Kingdom has contributed to the adoption of resolution 598 which led to the ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq conflict. We supported the United Nations's negotiations which brought Namibia peacefully to independence.

The United Kingdom played an important part in securing a prompt, firm and united response by the United Nations Security Council to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and joined our partners in the international coalition in action to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait in pursuit of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The United Kingdom has been at the forefront of international co-operation to combat drug trafficking and to protect the environment.

The Overseas Development Administration of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has maintained a substantial aid programme. Gross public expenditure on overseas aid in the period 1987–89 totalled £4.75 billion. Priorities include supporting economic reforms, promoting good government, and reversing environmental degradation. About 80 per cent. of our bilateral aid has been allocated to the poorer countries. We have taken the lead in promoting measures to reduce the debt burden of poorer countries. We have responded swiftly to appeals for emergency aid—over £100 million from 1987–89.

The assistance provided to business men by Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff overseas (nearly one third of whom are engaged in trade promotion work) has contributed to export sales by small, medium and major United Kingdom companies.

Consuls and honorary consuls have provided assistance to an increasing number of British nationals travelling and living overseas. During the latter part of 1990 our embassies in Baghdad and Kuwait helped with the evacuation to the United Kingdom of 1,796 people.