Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 27 February 2012.

Afghanistan

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any British companies are negotiating with the Government of Afghanistan concerning mining or metallurgical projects; and what action they are taking to ensure that all future contracts and concessions will be transparent and comply with the European Union transparency directive, taking into account the reasonable interests of local communities.

Answer: We are not aware of any British companies currently negotiating with Afghanistan on any mineral resource projects. At the international conference on Afghanistan, held in December 2011 in Bonn, the international community committed itself to support Afghanistan's efforts to develop a transparent and accountable regulatory framework to guarantee that its mineral wealth directly benefits the Afghan people. The UK, along with other member states, is currently considering a proposal for improving transparency in the extractives industry as part of the revisions to the European Union accounting and transparency directives.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15425; 735 c189-90WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Disclosure of information Mining Overseas companies Minerals Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk