§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions have taken place within the World Trade Organisation concerning the use of child labour within member countries. [19607]
§ Mr. Nelson[holding answer 12 March 1997]: The issue of abusive labour practices, including abuse of child labour, was discussed in the context of trade liberalisation objectives at the WTO ministerial conference in Singapore in December 1996. There is, however, no substantive work programme to eliminate abuse of child labour or current discussion taking place within WTO since, as it was agreed in Singapore, this is the proper preserve of the International Labour Organisation.