Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 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 steps he is taking to ensure that any reduction in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is not replaced by increased cultivation in other countries, with particular reference to Myanmar, Pakistan, Kazhakstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkemenistan and China.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that any reduction in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is not replaced by increased cultivation in other countries, with particular reference to Myanmar, Pakistan, Kazhakstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkemenistan and China. [220704] Mr. Rammell: In addition to the UK's lead nation status on counter narcotics in Afghanistan, we are active around the world to increase international capacity to combat the production and illicit trade in drugs which pose a threat to the UK. Pakistan and Iran are two of the highest priority countries for UK assistance. The UK is also providing £1.3 million to build counter narcotics capacity in Tajikistan. We take forward this work in full cooperation with international partners, in particular engagement with the European Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Secondary information