Afghanistan

HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc554-5W

David Cairns

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help the Government are giving to sustain supplies and services to Afghanistan over the winter.[25416]

Hilary Benn

We have so far allocated £60 million for the provision of financial, technical and in-kind support for humanitarian and recovery assistance in Afghanistan. Almost £40 million of this UK support has been provided to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross movement and NGOs, including support for the provision and stockpiling of assistance for the winter.

With our help, the UN, under the leadership of the World Food Programme, is maximising food delivery through both road and air routes and is prioritising deliveries to areas where access may become more difficult over the continuing winter, including the Central Highlands, the Panjshir valley and the north-east of the country. It has deployed specialist equipment and personnel to keep routes to these areas open as long as possible.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to include the states surrounding Afghanistan in the reconstruction plan for that country. [24275]

Clare Short

Both the recovery and reconstruction strategies will be informed by a regional approach, as the support of neighbouring countries will be crucial for long-term stability. Neighbouring countries have been invited to attend the Afghanistan Reconstruction Steering Group meeting, which is taking place in Brussels this week.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to prevent the export of heroin from Afghanistan to surrounding areas. [24273]

Mr. Bradshaw

I have been asked to reply.

With strong British support it was agreed at the Bonn Conference (27 November to 5 December) that the Interim Administration would co-operate with the international community in the fight against drugs. The UK will play a significant part in reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. We think that this should include the promotion of economic and law enforcement policies in Afghanistan which encourage and support opium poppy farmers in pursuing other livelihoods.

We are providing assistance to Afghanistan's neighbours such as Iran, Pakistan and the Central Asian Republics to help them prevent drugs from being trafficked from Afghanistan. In financial year 2001–02 we are providing over £2 million worth of equipment to assist the local law enforcement agencies in these countries to detect drugs and drug traffickers.