Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 10 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 January 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 January 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the European Union about the scope for increased funding of projects in Uzbekistan which focus on (a) grass roots development, (b) poverty alleviation and (c) education.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the European Union about the scope for increased funding of projects in Uzbekistan which focus on (a) grass roots development, (b) poverty alleviation and (c) education. [208148] Mr. Rammell: We have supported the poverty reduction focus of recent TACIS action programmes for central Asia, especially track 3 of the programmes. This is a pilot poverty reduction scheme seeking to help the most vulnerable groups. It aims to link relief with rehabilitation and longer-term development. Particular attention is given to promoting civil society involvement. Substantial increases in funding for this component have been proposed. Track 2 also provides assistance to developing the education sector.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 208148; 429 c919W;429 c923W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Development aid EU countries Finance Education Poverty EU external relations TACIS programme Uzbekistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk