§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent discussions his Department has had with other EU Governments about the list of aggravating circumstances relating to drug trafficking; [28377]
(2) what recent discussions his Department has had with EU Governments regarding the minimum and maximum sentence tariffs for drug trafficking offences. [28376]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthOn 23 May 2001 the European Commission published a draft European Council Framework Decision laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking. It sets out proposals for common minimum, maximum sentence tariffs as well as common aggravating circumstances for drug trafficking offences. The proposal is currently being discussed at 847W official level in the European Union Council working groups responsible for drugs and criminal law. Home Office officials are represented on these working groups.
§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with Turkey regarding drug control measures. [28378]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe Government have developed close co-operation with Turkey at an operational level because it is a key country on the supply route of heroin to the United Kingdom. In addition between 1994 and 1999 we provided over £1 million for anti-drugs assistance, mainly in the form of training, and we expect to provide up to £300,000 for training and equipment in 2001–02.