§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the UK is spending on combating the opium trade in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [118708]
§ Mr. RammellThe UK has committed around £70 million over the next three financial years to fund activities aimed directly at combating the trade in opiates in Afghanistan. The elimination of the drugs trade in Afghanistan will, however, also depend upon broader reconstruction of the economy, law enforcement capacity and political life. In support of these essential contributions to successful drugs elimination, the UK has pledged around £200 million for 2002–07.