§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the location of premises selected for the European bank for reconstruction and development; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mrs. ChalkerThe choice of a permanent headquarters building will be made by the European bank for reconstruction and development. Meanwhile the Government have provided transitional accommodation for the bank in the City. I refer the hon. Member to the Overseas Development Administration departmental minute laid before the House on 17 December 1990.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom citizens are to be employed by the European bank for reconstruction and development; and what roles they will perform.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe president-designate of the bank is responsible for staff recruitment from among member states of the bank and he will make his choices on merit. I am pleased to note the bank has selected Mr. John Flemming, previously with the Bank of England, for the senior position of chief economist.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate the cost to Her Majesty's Government of the establishment of the European bank for reconstruction and development in London.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington) on 17 December 1990. In addition, we are meeting transitional accommodation and office support costs estimated at £2 million to enable the bank to prepare for operations.