§ Syd RapsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on working towards international regulations on the practices of companies operating in developing countries in areas where voluntary codes of practice have proved ineffective. [125900]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government do not believe that a blanket regulatory approach at the international level would be a helpful or practicable one in respect of the wide variety of circumstances and impacts related to the activities of companies in developing countries. The Government will, however, continue actively promoting awareness of, and behaviour consistent, with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises which provide recommendations on responsible business conduct and adherence to standards of behaviour supplemental to applicable law in individual countries.