§ Ms QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom involvement in the EC's PHARE programme.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe EC's PHARE programme finances, mainly, the provision of know-how to Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The European Commission expect to spend around 450 mecu—approximately £345 million—in 1993. The United Kingdom contributes over 16 per cent. of these funds.
We discuss policy and management issues on a regular basis both with the Commission and other member states. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development has met Sir Leon Brittan on several occasions to consider these issues.
British companies play an active part in the programme by providing know-how and services. They are well regarded by both recipients and the Commission. Companies and other entities from the United Kingdom bid successfully for about 20 per cent. of the value of contracts awarded under the programme.