§ 26. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts abroad on tackling the international illegal drugs trade. [129567]
§ Mr. BattleI take every opportunity to discuss, with our counterparts, the UK's international activities to combat the trade in illicit drugs. We take the lead in co-ordinating and prioritising such activities across Government in close co-operation with the UK anti-drugs co-ordinator Keith Hellawell. The UK plays an active role in international forums dealing with the threat posed by illicit drugs, including in the UN G8 and EU. Last year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office spent over £6.5 million on international counter-drugs activities.