§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she plans to make to the OECD in connection with its forthcoming review of the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Investment; and if she will make a statement. [39342]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe OECD has asked member countries to put forward initial thoughts on issues that might be addressed in the review of the Guidelines. The Government's initial thoughts were submitted to the OECD in December. Our key areas of interest relate to the core labour standards, environmental protection and application of the Guidelines beyond OECD member countries. In particular, the Department is currently looking at the experience of voluntary codes of conduct. The Government are working on a more detailed contribution, consulting with trade unions, business and NGOs, in readiness for the beginning of the review process in June.
§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the World Trade Organisation preparatory to a WTO Agreement on Investment; and if she will make a statement. [39355]
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§ Mr. FoulkesThe Government are pleased with the progress being made by the WTO Working Group on the relationship between trade and investment, which is looking at important issues surrounding foreign investment and existing international investment instruments and activities. We will work towards the eventual establishment of a WTO agreement on investment, and hope that through the confidence-building nature of the current discussions a consensus can be reached to begin negotiations in due course.