Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 May 2000. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 May 2000 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will have discussions with mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh before endorsing a programme submitted by the UN International Drug Control Programme for field trials of fusarium oxysporum as a weapon against coca growing in Columbia and Peru.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will have discussions with mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh before endorsing a programme submitted by the UN International Drug Control Programme for field trials of fusarium oxysporum as a weapon against coca growing in Columbia and Peru. [121080] Clare Short: My Department has not been asked either to endorse or fund the UNDCP's research into the use of fusarium oxysporum as a control agent against coca crops in Colombia. My officials have, however, discussed the planned research with mycologists widely in the UK, including at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. I understand that UNDCP are working closely with the UN Environmental Programme to ensure that all precautions are taken and that risks are eliminated.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 350 c97W;350 c98W; 121080
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Crime prevention Crime Crops Environment protection Drugs International cooperation Research Colombia Cocaine Peru Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh UN Drug Control Programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk