§ Angela SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has on codes of conduct for British companies importing produce from developing nations. [12314]
§ Mrs. RocheMy Department is keen to work constructively with companies to establish voluntary codes of conduct with their suppliers both to improve the working conditions under which their products are made and to minimise any adverse impact on the environment. I welcome the moves many of our companies are making towards taking a more ethical stance in business and private sector initiatives such as the ethical trading initiative, which is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Department of Trade and Industry.