Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Rawlings (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 3 March 2010.

Afghanistan: Minerals and Gemstones

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware—I am sure that he is—that Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet it has huge reserves of the highest quality lapis lazuli, silver, copper, rubies and emeralds—examples that can be seen even today in the British crown jewels, the Taj Mahal and the Russian imperial collection? What else are Her Majesty's Government doing to encourage development of these reserves to help alleviate poverty and help the Afghanis diversify from their reliance on the poppy?

Answer: My Lords, the good news is that the reliance on the poppy has been much reduced, from 13 per cent in 2007 to 4 per cent in 2009. The noble Baroness is absolutely right: Afghanistan is the second poorest country in the world. This is why we have committed £510 million over four years on a series of measures: on assistance to government, more than £300 million; to create jobs and economic growth; more than £80 million; to help stability and development, £72 million; and to produce alternatives to the poppy, some £30 million. The noble Baroness is also correct in saying that a well regulated mining sector would have great benefits. The World Bank has identified the potential for an annual production of something over $250 million, and for 19,000 jobs. We continue to support the Afghan Government in their endeavours to diversify: that is part of our ongoing commitment.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 717 c1445
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Development aid Mining Minerals Afghanistan Opium Diversification Gems
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk