§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions have been held by his Department with the manufacturers of sports shoes on the employment practices of their suppliers in non-European countries. [90348]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 12 July 1999]: The Government have made clear in the House and elsewhere that we are firmly opposed to the use of abusive labour practices around the world, particularly those which exploit child labour. We have strongly supported initiatives in the International Labour Organisation aimed at improving countries' compliance with internationally recognised labour standards. We have also supported initiatives such as the Ethical Trading Initiative to encourage importers to develop effective and verifiable codes of conduct with their overseas suppliers.