asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Romania on the imminent closure of orphanages before adequate alternative arrangements have been made to meet the needs of the resident children.[HL6490]

The Romanians are aware of European childcare standards and their obligation to take the best interests of the child into account when considering closing down orphanages. Both the European Commission and our embassy in Bucharest can raise any concerns with the Romanian authorities should they arise, but we currently have no plans to do so.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will invite the European Union to provide long-term funds for Romanian and international non-governmental organisations organising adoption, fostering, family-sized homes and other support for orphans and abandoned children in Romania.[HL6491]

We have no plans to ask the EU to provide long-term funds for this purpose. Between 1990 and 2000, the EU contributed approximately €100 million to Romania for child protection and humanitarian support and is currently spending a further €13 million on childcare projects. The Government of Romania are working hard to improve childcare to meet EU standards and have made huge strides in this since the fall of the communist regime in 1989. Our embassy in Bucharest is in regular contact with non-governmental organisations in Romania and continues to support their work.