Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Monday, 21 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 7 April 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 the total value was of UK aid to supplier countries donated with the specific intention of eradicating the cultivation of illegal drugs in each of the last 20 years; and to which countries such aid was given.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total value was of UK aid to supplier countries donated with the specific intention of eradicating the cultivation of illegal drugs in each of the last 20 years; and to which countries such aid was given. [223706] Mr. Rammell: The total value of UK aid to Afghanistan on eradication in financial year 2004-05 was £2,695,008. Various options for eradication aid are being worked up for 2006 and a decision will be taken in June 2005. In 1994 the UK supplied two helicopters for use by the Pakistani anti-narcotics force (ANF) to assist with opium poppy eradication and other operational counter narcotics activity in Pakistan. Figures are not immediately available for the cost of the purchase of the helicopters. Since 1994, we have supported the ANF to the sum of approximately £1.4 million to help service and maintain the aircraft for use for the same purposes.

Secondary information