HC Deb 17 May 1996 vol 277 cc615-6W
Mr. Terry Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money has been promised by Her Majesty's Government for the voluntary fund established by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe for civil reconstruction in Bosnia-Herzegovina; how much of that money has been paid; what proportion of the money has been specifically allocated to the funding and operation of(a) the chamber of human rights and (b) other institutions aimed at establishing the rule of law; and if he will make a statement. [29351]

Mr. David Davis

Her Majesty's Government have promised £3 million to the OSCE/Council of Europe voluntary fund; the full amount was paid on 29 March 1996. In view of the importance and urgency of starting the election process, the Government requested that this money be spent on elections-related expenses. Most of the UK's donation has since been used to fund the printing of voters' lists and registration application forms and the preparation of voter education material. The Government have also given £10,000 to support a centre to promote local non-governmental organisations in Sarajevo.