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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if he will make a statement on (a) the nature of the health and education projects in (i) Russia, (ii) Mongolia, (iii) Ukraine, (iv) Georgia, (v) Armenia and (vi) Azerbaijan that were financed by EU development assistance in 2002, (b) the effectiveness of the projects and (c) his Department's involvement in the projects; [165172] (2) if he will make a statement on (a) the nature of the 24 million euro environment project in Russia that was financed by EU development assistance in 2002, (b) the effectiveness of the project and (c) his Department's involvement in the project. [165203] Mr. Gareth Thomas: EU development assistance in these countries is provided through the Tacis programme. The Department is involved in projects implemented under Tacis by contributing the UK's share of the European Commission budget allocated to Tacis and by participating in the Management Committee established to define strategy and oversee the programme. Implementation of specific projects (including procurement, which is governed by EC procurement rules) is the responsibility of the Commission. When considering Commission funding proposals, DFID took a wide range of factors into consideration, including likely impact, cost-effectiveness and value for money. Many of the 2002 projects are in the early stages of implementation. An assessment of the projects will only be possible once they have been completed. The EC, through its results-orientated management system and strengthened evaluation systems, is best placed to carry out such an assessment.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

420 c393W; 165172;165203

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Cost effectiveness Health education Russia EU aid Commonwealth of Independent States

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk