Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 26 February 2007.

Iran

Question: My Lords, does the Minister agree that one area where we might work very positively with the Iranians is on the difficult question of controlling poppy cultivation in Afghanistan? The Iranians have considerable experience and quite a good track record in that area. Despite all the difficulties that we have to handle, and the rather aggressive approach of some of the Iranian pronouncements, could we not work positively with them in that area where success is badly needed because, frankly, the drug problem is getting worse?

Answer: My Lords, that is an entirely practical suggestion, and work has started in order to deal with issues of border security and eradication. It is in the interests of the Iranian people and most certainly in the interests of the people of the United Kingdom that we pursue that kind of work and succeed in it.

Secondary information