§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports he has received regarding the demonstrations held in the Kailali district of Nepal and in Katmandu by bonded labourers demanding their freedom; [132308]
(2) if he will make early representations to the Government of Nepal urging it to release bonded labourers from slavery. [132309]
§ Mr. HainWe are aware of the demonstrations. The announcement made by the Nepalese Government on 17 July to abolish bonded labour will be well received by those campaigning against it.