§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken in response to the recent ILO resolution condemning the Burmese regime for its use of forced labour. [150586]
§ Ms JowellWe have written to national employer and worker groups, asking them to draw their members' attention to the ILO resolution; and have discussed how best to give effect to its recommendations with other EU member states and the European Commission. The European Union has already taken a number of measures in response to the abuses of human rights including the practice of forced labour in Burma. The situation is being closely monitored and, should the authorities in Burma fail to take the necessary steps to effectively end the practice of forced labour, the EU stands ready to take further measures. We will shortly be writing to the Director General of the ILO setting out the Government's position.