Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Afghanistan: Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Cotswold of 27 February 2007, Official Report, columns 1192-3W, on Afghanistan: opium, what reasons were given by the Afghan Government for its decision not to use ground-based spraying on opium poppy crops in 2007; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Afghan Government made their decision not to conduct ground based spraying this year following wide consultation and internal discussion, but chose not to make their reasons public. The Afghan Government has expressed their determination to tackle opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan through a variety of means, including by carrying out robust manual and mechanical targeted eradication this year, as set out in the national drug control strategy. If this proves ineffective ground based spraying will be on the list of options for next year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 458 c79W; 127074
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Afghanistan: Opium
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
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Subjects: Drugs Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk