Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 December 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 December 2004 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 the Department's strategy is for reducing the supply of opium from Afghanistan. - Inc ref to 29 November 2 004, 428 c17-18WS, on Afghanistan: Counter Narcotics.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Department's strategy is for reducing the supply of opium from Afghanistan. [203741] Mr. Rammell: The UK, as lead nation, is committed to supporting the Afghan Government in the implementation of their comprehensive National Drug Control Strategy. I refer my hon. Friend to the written statement I made on 29 November 2004, Official Report, columns 17-18WS on Afghanistan: Counter Narcotics . We are working with the Afghan Government and others to increase activity in all areas of that strategy over the coming year. As well as co-ordinating the activity of international partners, we are providing substantial financial and practical support--spending more than £100 million over three years. In addition, the UK works closely with Afghanistan's neighbours, including providing assistance, to help their efforts to counter the flow of opiates from Afghanistan.

Secondary information