Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 July 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Thursday, 13 July 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with members of the UN Drugs Control Programme concerning the criteria used to decide where field trials of fungal herbicides to combat coca, opium and marijuana crops take place.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with members of the UN Drugs Control Programme concerning the criteria used to decide where field trials of fungal herbicides to combat coca, opium and marijuana crops take place. [130456] Mr. Battle: The decision on where field trials are held is made by the UNDCP and the authorities of the country where the trials are to take place. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have not had discussions with UNDCP on this issue. However, we have made it clear that if research into Pleospora Papaveracea showed it to be harmful to the environment, the UK would withdraw support and press for closure of the research programme.

Secondary information