§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will adopt World Bank policies on(a) environmental assessment, (b) involuntary resettlement and (c) the protection of cultural heritage for the screening of projects receiving support from the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [77132]
§ Mr. WilsonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 11 February 1999,Official Report, columns 410–11.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is part of the standard procedure that projects considered for support by the Export Credits Guarantee Department are assessed in respect of their compliance with the OECD's guidelines for the conduct of multinational enterprises. [77081]
§ Mr. WilsonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 11 February 1999,Official Report, columns 410–11. ECGD is aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, but it is not part of its normal underwriting procedures to assess compliance with these. HMG (through DTI) are currently engaged, together with their OECD partners, in the review of the Guidelines. One of the issues under discussion is the broader question of how Governments can encourage greater awareness and observance.
One of the main aims of the procedures ECGD is developing is to raise the awareness of UK exporters, investors and overseas buyers of environmental issues.