§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on know-how fund aid to Russia. [46867]
§ Clare ShortThe know-how fund is the primary conduit for the UK's programme providing know how to help Russia and the former Soviet bloc countries make the transition to democracy and a market economy. In Russia, and elsewhere, it has a good reputation for providing fast and flexible assistance in support of reform. Given the continuing growth in poverty in Russia, greater emphasis in future will be placed on assistance for the social, environmental and governance aspects of reform.
The programme provides technical assistance rather than resource transfers and will spend £30 million per year over the next two years. Our strategy paper for Russia will be published shortly and I will ensure a copy is placed in the Library.