HC Deb 22 February 1996 vol 272 cc238-9W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that European Commission funds are prudently allocated in the field of public health education. [15835]

Mr. Horam

I have been asked to reply.

Following a decision by the Health Council, management committees have been established to oversee European Commission programmes of action on public health, including AIDS and communicable diseases. Officials on the committees representing UK Health Departments will seek to agree criteria to ensure that Community funds are prudently allocated for individual projects.

Mrs. Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding was given by the Europe against AIDS unit of the European Commission to enable CSV Media to send St. Valentine's day cards containing condoms to right hon. Members; how many such cards were sent out throughout Europe; what was the purpose of this project; what percentage of the funding came from United Kingdom taxpayers; and what factors led the European Commission to(a) support this project and (b) accept no liability for the advice so disseminated. [15833]

Mr. Horam

I have been asked to reply.

The European Commission contributed£145,000 towards the cost of this campaign which included the distribution of 330.000 Valentine's day cards throughout Europe. The purpose of the campaign was to promote AIDS awareness and safer sex amongst young people. The United Kingdom Government made no direct contribution to the cost of the campaign, and it is therefore not possible to say what percentage of the funding came from UK taxpayers. We understand that the European Commission supported the project because of rising levels of HIV infection in Europe, and that the disclaimer on the Valentine's day card is a standard clause which the Commission require on all printed material which they fund.

Mrs. Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to propose the abolition of the AIDS unit of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement. [15836]

Mr. Horam

I have been asked to reply.

I have no such proposal.

Mrs. Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he had with the European Commission prior to the decision being taken to proceed with the CVS Media project. [15834]

Mr. Horam

I have been asked to reply.

I have had no consultations with the European Commission on this subject.