To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the role of UK forces is in assisting the Afghanistan government to deliver its anti-corruption strategy; and what assessment he has made of their effectiveness in carrying out that role.

UK forces do not play a role in anti-corruption activity in Afghanistan. However, on 15 December 2008, Hansard , column 819, the Prime Minister announced to Parliament a multi agency anti-corruption taskforce to assist the Afghan Government in tackling corruption.

The taskforce is currently agreeing a strategy focused on prevention and political will; enforcement; and accountability. The task force liaises regularly with the Afghan High Office of Oversight, which is the Afghan lead anti-corruption institution, and other relevant Afghan institutions.