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 Tuesday, 22 March 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has (a) recruited workers previously employed in the poppy industry and (b) used funds to purchase poppy crops in Afghanistan since 1997.

Answer: Mr. Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has (a) recruited workers previously employed in the poppy industry and (b) used funds to purchase poppy crops in Afghanistan since 1997. [222542] Mr. Ingram: [holding answer 18 March 2005]: The Ministry of Defence employs a number of Afghan civilians. While we do not retain records on these individuals' involvement, if any, in poppy cultivation, their employment is a positive contribution to the legitimate labour market in Afghanistan. United Kingdom Armed Forces have not used funds to purchase poppy crops, including in the period since 1997.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c773W; 222542
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crops Agriculture Civilians Employment Drugs Ministry of Defence Sales Afghanistan Opium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk