§ Miss LestorTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment his Department has made of the report, "Helping Business to Help Stop Child Labour", produced by Anti-Slavery International; what action he is 29W taking to encourage British businesses abroad to adopt fair employment practices; and if he will make a statement. [7245]
§ Mr. NelsonIt is for British businesses to ensure that they are complying fully with their legal obligations and ethical standards. The Government encourage British businesses operating overseas to respect the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises, which cover employment practices, among other things.
§ Miss LestorTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to encourage British companies overseas to act as model employers by taking action to avoid exploitative practices, particularly involving children. [7247]
§ Mr. NelsonIt is the responsibility of individual companies to satisfy themselves that they are complying with local law and acting in accordance with ethical standards. The Government encourage British businesses operating overseas to respect the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises, which cover employment practices, among other things.