Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 November 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 1 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 the expected crop of opium poppies in Afghanistan in 2004 is, expressed in (a) area of land cultivated and (b) tonnes of opium produced.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the expected crop of opium poppies in Afghanistan in 2004 is, expressed in (a) area of land cultivated and (b) tonnes of opium produced. [194268] Mr. Rammell: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will publish on 4 November its annual survey into the level of opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan. The figures are not yet available. However, we anticipate a significant increase in cultivation levels this year. Increases in production may be proportionally lower given lower yields due to drought and disease. As lead nation on counter narcotics in Afghanistan, co-ordinating international assistance, the UK works closely with the Afghan Government to support delivery of the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy. We have committed more than £70 million over three years for counter narcotics activity plus significant development funding and support for alternative livelihoods. We will be looking to increase that activity over the coming year and are also encouraging the international community to do more in order to achieve a reduction in cultivation next year.

Secondary information