§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the actions his Department is taking to promote the Ethical Trading Initiative among UK companies; [75236]
(2) what action his Department is taking to promote the establishment of internal systems in UK companies for the implementation and external verification of ethical practices. [75235]
§ Mr. WilsonMy Department has made it clear that, along with other interested departments, we fully support the aims of the Ethical Trading Initiative—as one of the important initiatives being taken currently by the voluntary sector—to promote a culture of social responsibility among British companies. We have enjoyed regular contacts, at both official and ministerial level, with the ETI and applaud their efforts to develop and promote corporate codes of conduct relating to companies' dealings with their overseas suppliers, and have given them all the support they have called for.