Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 November 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 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 recent discussions have taken place between US and UK counter-narcotics officials in Afghanistan regarding the prioritisation of resources for (a) eradicating poppy cultivation and (b) providing alternative livelihoods for Afghan farmers.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have taken place between US and UK counter-narcotics officials in Afghanistan regarding the prioritisation of resources for (a) eradicating poppy cultivation and (b) providing alternative livelihoods for Afghan farmers. [196262] Mr. Rammell: UK and US officials in London, Washington and Kabul have regular discussions on how best to support the Afghan Government's National Drug Control Strategy. We are already providing support to the Afghan Government for poppy eradication and alternative livelihoods for farmers as well as for interdiction to tackle drug trafficking, judicial reform, demand reduction and public awareness. We have committed more than £70 million over three years for counter-narcotics activity plus significant development funding and support for alternative livelihoods. We are working with our international partners to increase activity in all areas of the strategy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196262; 426 c626-7W;426 c627W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Crime prevention Crops Drugs International cooperation Farmers Production Smuggling Afghanistan Opium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk