Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 June 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Thursday, 8 June 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 recent discussions he has had with the United States counterparts concerning the use of Fusarium Oxysporum in drug eradication strategies in Colombia and Peru.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United States counterparts concerning the use of Fusarium Oxysporum in drug eradication strategies in Colombia and Peru. [124999] Mr. Battle: Field trials on Fusarium Oxysporum have not yet been conducted by UNDCP in Colombia. Before these take place further research would need to be carried out inter alia to confirm that it is specific to coca and would not harm agricultural crops and other plant species. Field testing and any subsequent eradication campaign would not harm agricultural crops and other plant species. Field testing and any subsequent eradication campaign would also have to be approved by the Colombian Government. Her Majesty's Government are not funding UNDCP research into Fusarium Oxysporum. The Foreign Secretary has not discussed it with the US Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124999; 351 c309W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Crime Crops Drugs International cooperation Misuse Research Colombia Cocaine Peru UN Drug Control Programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk