To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan in (a) developing a stable and secure environment in the Afghan regions and (b) promoting security sector reform; and if he will make a statement. [109332]

The role of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams is to assist in extending the Transitional Administration's authority, help to develop a stable and secure environment in the Afghan regions and facilitate security sector reform and reconstruction. Initial reports show success against these objectives.