§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what scent discussions he has had with the United States counterparts concerning the use of Fusarium Oxysporum in drug eradication strategies in Colombia and Peru. [124999]
§ Mr. BattleField trials on Fusarium Oxysporum have not yet been conducted by UNDCP in Colombia. Before these take place further research would need to be carried out inter alia to confirm that it is specific to coca and would not harm agricultural crops and other plant species. Field testing and any subsequent eradication campaign would also have to be approved by the Colombian Government.
Her Majesty's Government are not funding UNDCP research into Fusarium Oxysporum. The Foreign Secretary has not discussed it with the US Government.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his UN counterparts about the effectiveness of the UN Drugs Control Programme's drug reduction strategy for drug-producing regions. [125017]
§ Mr. BattleThe UK is an active participant in UN drugs policy forums and is a key supporter of the United Nations Drugs Control Programme. In co-ordination with the United States and EU partners, the UK is supporting improved evaluation and management procedures in UNDCP drugs assistance projects. Examples of UK contributions include support for effective action by the UNDCP in reducing the cultivation of coca bush in Bolivia.