HC Deb 13 November 2001 vol 374 c663W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the numbers of UK citizens held prisoner by(a) the Northern Alliance and (b) countries neighbouring Afghanistan as a consequence of activities with (i) the Taliban and (ii) al-Qaeda; and if he will make a statement. [13630]

Mr. Bradshaw

We are currently aware of one British prisoner being held by the Northern Alliance. He has been held since 1998, having been fighting for the Taliban. We do not have any Consular representation in Afghanistan and are therefore unable to give any accurate assessment on whether there are any other British prisoners being held there by either side. We are also not aware that any British prisoners are being held in relation to the current conflict in neighbouring countries.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the numbers of UK citizens killed or injured in Afghanistan while with(a) al-Qaeda and (b) the Taliban; and if he will make a statement. [13624]

Mr. Bradshaw

We have no consular representation in Afghanistan. It is not possible to provide any accurate assessment on the number of UK nationals who may have been killed or injured in Afghanistan.