§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the action taken by the Government to tackle child labour abroad. [130952]
§ Mr. HainWe are engaged in a range of activities—at the bilateral and international level—to tackle child labour. In March 2000, the UK ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 182. The aim of this important new standard is to prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour. We strongly support the ILO's campaign to encourage the widest possible ratification of ILO 182, and is looking at how best to take action in support of this campaign. In June 2000, the UK also ratified ILO Convention No. 138—one of the core ILO conventions—on the minimum age for entry into employment.
The Government, through the Department for International Development, is supporting practical programmes in a number of countries in South Asia and 371W Africa. Our aim is to reduce child labour, especially the worst forms of child labour. In doing this, we aim to ensure children's protection and survival; to meet children's development needs, particularly in health and education; and to allow them to participate in decisions which affect their lives.