§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines are provided to British Government employees working in, or visiting, foreign countries in respect of behaviour towards children which under United Kingdom law would be exploitative or abusive with particular reference to countries where local legislation differs substantially from that in the United Kingdom. [11203]
§ Mr. HanleyThere are no specific guidelines in respect of behaviour towards children, but all employees of this Department have a duty to respect British law and, when overseas, local laws. The general principles of conduct are set out in diplomatic service regulations, the civil service management code and in contracts of employment.
§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the current guidelines provided to British Government employees working in or visiting foreign countries in respect of behaviour towards children which under United Kingdom law would be exploitative or abusive; and if he will make a statement. [11204]
§ Mr. HanleyThere are no specific guidelines in respect of behaviour towards children; but the general principles governing the conduct of employees of this Department accord with the central framework of rules and principles of conduct set out in the civil service management code. These general principles are also set out in the diplomatic service code of ethics which was introduced on 1 January 1996.