HC Deb 11 June 1986 vol 99 cc313-4
4. Mr. Spencer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on what action is being taken jointly with the Government of Pakistan to control drug trafficking.

Mr. Eggar

We share with the Government of Pakistan a firm commitment to tackle the problem of drug production, trafficking and abuse. We have close and effective co-operation m many aspects of drug enforcement, through Customs and other channels. Over recent years Pakistan has been the main recipient of our drugs-related assistance worldwide.

Mr. Spencer

Can my hon. Friend confirm the efficacy of the co-operation between the two countries in bringing to book people engaged in this vile trade? Can he tell the House whether there are yet stationed in Pakistan, as in some other countries, representatives of British Customs and Excise? If not, will he work towards that end?

Mr. Eggar

I can indeed assure my hon. and learned Friend of the considerable efforts that the Pakistan Government, from the highest level downwards, are taking to eradicate drug production and trading. Officials from British Customs have been in Pakistan for some considerable time.

Mr. Corbett

Has the Minister seen reports today of a warning by Mr. Colin Hewitt, the co-ordinator of the national drugs intelligence unit, that the drug abuse problem is worsening? Against that background, and given the regrettably leading role which evil men in Pakistan play in the continuation of this vile trade, may we have an assurance that we will redouble our efforts and pressure on the Pakistan Government to shut down the supply routes?

Mr. Eggar

We are deeply concerned about the increasing problems of drug abuse within the United Kingdom, and worldwide. We do not need to put such pressure on Pakistan, because the Pakistan Government, of their own volition and with our assistance, are taking considerable measures throughout the country to assist in cutting down the growth of the heroin trade in particular.

Mr. Rathbone

Can my hon. Friend confirm the Government's success in placing Customs officers in India, through which almost all of the Pakistani drugs products are smuggled on their way to this country?

Mr. Eggar

As my right hon. and learned Friend told the Select Committee on Home Affairs on 4 June, following his discussion with Mr. Gandhi, the Government of India have agreed in principle to our proposal to post drugs liaison officers in New Delhi and Bombay. In passing, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his work in drawing attention to the problems of drug abuse in this country. Administrative arrangements are now in train with a view to early postings of the drugs liaison officers.

Mr. Anderson

Can the Minister say exactly when the two drugs liaison officers for New Delhi and Bombay will be in post? Do the Government accept the view of the Drug Enforcement Agency in the USA that many of the drugs going into Pakistan and out through Bombay come via Afghanistan and refugees who use herion as a currency for arms? If the Government accept that, was that matter raised when the Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Abdul Hag, the Afghani rebel leader, earlier this year?

Mr. Eggar

We are discussing with the Government of India the precise arrangements for the posting of the two drugs liaison officers. We have identified those officers and we hope to have them in post in the near future.

There is some evidence that some of the drugs that reach the United Kingdom are of Afghan origin. Obviously we are doing what we can, through our cooperation with the Government of India and now with Pakistan, to stop the flow of drugs from Afghanistan. However, our ability to act within Afghanistan is extremely limited, as the hon. Gentleman must be aware.