§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid and assistance the United Kingdom has given to the Russian people following their recent currency crises. [57929]
§ Clare ShortThe Department for International Development continues to provide bilateral technical assistance to Russia via the Know-How Fund. This extends across a range of economic and social sectors. We also continue to contribute via various multilateral agencies, in particular the EU/Tacis programme. In addition, we are monitoring carefully the need for humanitarian assistance this winter. With our G7 partners we are encouraging the Russian Government to adopt appropriate economic policies to allow a resumption of IMF and other financial flows.