§ 31. Mr. Brandon-BravoTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the development of relations with the Baltic republics.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe intend to develop relations actively. We are giving practical help in consolidating their independence, building up democratic systems of government and rebuilding their economies. The bulk of our assistance is being directed through the European Community technical and emergency assistance programmes. We have also committed over £900,000 to projects through the know-how fund. We sponsored their United Nations membership applications. We pressed in the European Community for early trade and co-operation agreements: these are now being negotiated. We are supporting early IMF membership. Finally, we are resolving the Baltic gold question, in a prompt and effective manner which will give an important boost to the Baltic economies.