Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 February 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Foreign Secretary and (b) Secretary of State for International Development regarding the linking of the military deployment with (i) political engagement and (ii) development efforts in Helmand Province, Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I have regular discussions with the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development regarding the Government's plans to participate in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Stage 3 expansion, and will continue to do so.Any UK deployment to Helmand is predicated upon a fully integrated military and civilian plan designed to improve security, build local Afghan capacity, address the problem of narcotics and improve development opportunities working closely with the Governor and his team. Planning has been co-ordinated across Government including these three Departments. The UK's preliminary operations team, which comprises military, FCO, DFID and PCRU members, continues to refine plans for UK activity in the province.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 442 c1078W;442 c1078W; 45146
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Peacekeeping operations Politics and government Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk