§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what notification her Department has received from the European Commission about the consultation process relating to the future of the Phare and Tacis Democracy Programmes; and if she has responded to that consultation process. [33311]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe European Commission has tabled a draft Council Regulation for discussion in the Development Co-operation Working Group, covering the European Community's human rights and democratisation programmes worldwide (including Phare and Tacis countries). The Department will be contributing fully to 775W the Working Group Discussion. We have not otherwise been invited to participate in consultations on the Phare and Tacis Democracy Programmes.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department will contribute to the Phare and Tacis Democracy Programmes in the current year. [33309]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe budget for the Phare and Tacis Democracy Programmes in 1998 is 25 mecu. The UK share of the programmes will be approximately 15% (i.e. about £2.5 million).