§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is provided to help people who have fled from the former Yugoslavia to return to their country of origin; what discussions have taken place within(a) the EU and (b) the UN on developing a repatriation programme; and if he will make it his policy to give priority to the repatriation of skilled workers and smallholders. [21495]
§ Mr. HanleyFollowing the Dayton agreement, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, is collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, in regular consultation with the EC and member states, on a comprehensive return, repatriation and re-development programme. It has been agreed that the emphasis should now be on the return of individuals with the necessary skills to assist in the general rehabilitation and reconstruction of the region. The UK is currently considering contributing a further grant towards this return of talent. The return of nationals for the former Yugoslavia who came to the UK under Government auspices will be assisted financially through the IOM.