HC Deb 04 April 2003 vol 402 c890W
Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what UK requirements and guidelines she sets British companies signing contracts in Russia in respect of their policies towards their Russian employees. [104746]

Ms Hewitt

Any UK company wishing to enter into a business arrangement with a Russian partner would be advised to satisfy itself as to all aspects of the contractual arrangements which it was being asked to enter into. In line with our aim of actively promoting corporate social responsibility, we would also encourage companies to work with their partners and suppliers to address the economic, social and environmental impacts of their policies and activities. In the light of this, one good way of achieving these goals would be to act in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and to perform at least the standards they suggest.