§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice is available from his Department to individuals and companies who wish to avoid importing goods made with the use of forced labour or child labour. [85829]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government strongly support a proposed new ILO Convention to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, and funding programmes such as the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child-Labour (IPEC). Individuals or companies are advised to seek assurances on the matter from their retailers or suppliers. The Government strongly support recent initiatives by the private and voluntary sector to develop or promote codes of conduct in this area; and an increasing number of UK companies are entering into such arrangements with their overseas suppliers.