Written question asked by Parmjit Singh Gill (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 March 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 21 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, whether his Department has used funds (a) to provide alternative employment for workers previously employed in the poppy industry and (b) to purchase poppy crops in Afghanistan since 1997.

Answer: Mr. Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has used funds (a) to provide alternative employment for workers previously employed in the poppy industry and (b) to purchase poppy crops in Afghanistan since 1997. [222196] Mr. Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary if State for International Development gave him on 9 March 2005, Official Report, columns 1801-02W. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not, as part of its programme, purchased any poppy crops in Afghanistan. Department for International Development activity in this area forms part of the UK's support for the Afghan 2005 Counter Narcotics Implementation Plan, details of which are contained in my written statement of 10 March 2005, Official Report, columns 121-23WS.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c589W; 222196
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crops Agriculture Development aid Employment Drugs Farmers Sales Afghanistan Opium Diversification
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk