§ 67. Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution Her Majesty's forces are making to control drug trafficking.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIn response to occasional requests for assistance from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, the armed forces provide a variety of support to their operations in the United Kingdom and in home waters. The armed forces also provide anti-drugs assistance overseas. For example, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, training is being given to Colombia in VIP protection, bomb disposal and basic river boat skills, and non-lethal equipment is being supplied. In addition, the West Indies guardship provides surveillance assistance in co-ordinated anti-drugs patrols with the United States Coastguard.