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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 the commitment of EU development assistance to (a) the Chernobyl Shelter, (b) energy in Russia, (c) nuclear safety, (d) central Asia and (e) Azerbaijan in 2002; [163860] (2) if he will make a statement on the EU development assistance expenditure on institution building in (a) Russia, (b) Mongolia, (c) Armenia and (d) Ukraine in 2002; [163864] (3) what his Department's involvement was in the development assistance project in (a) Ukraine, (b) Russia and (c) Georgia in 2002; and what assessment he has made of each project. [163878] Mr. Gareth Thomas: EU development assistance in these areas is provided through the Tacis programme. The Department is involved in projects implemented under Tacis 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

419 c1436W;419 c1438W; 163860;163864;163878

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Development aid Russia EU aid Commonwealth of Independent States

Link

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