§ 8. Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support is being given to the international offensive against the drugs trade.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe play a leading role in the fight against drugs, not only through direct assistance to 858 countries such as Colombia, but through our participation in the activities of the United Nations, the European Community and the Council of Europe.
§ Mr. MartinWill my hon. Friend confirm that we continue to enjoy the closest possible co-operation with the United States of America in combating this evil trade? Will he highlight any recent successes, especially in the Caribbean and the dependent territories?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe co-operate fully with the United States authorities in drug enforcement. We have had some particular success in the British dependent territories for which we must take direct responsibility. I am happy to tell my hon. Friend that in the British Virgin Islands in November, 614 kg of cocaine were confiscated, and in St. Vincent in October, 317 kg of cocaine were confiscated.
§ Mr. CorbettThose finds show not success but growing amounts of cocaine washing round the world. What steps are the Government taking to encourage co-operation by the nations of eastern Europe and the Soviet Union? The fact that their borders are more open makes it easier to smuggle drugs into this country.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe hon. Gentleman is correct: we must pursue further contacts with the Soviet Union and eastern Europe. We are taking a lead in the bilateral contacts with eastern Europe on drugs, and I am happy to tell the hon. Gentleman that plans are under way for a east—west Europe ministerial conference on drugs in Oslo next spring.