HC Deb 22 January 2001 vol 361 cc414-5W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she plans to take to ensure that the importation of goods to the United Kingdom from less developed countries will not adversely affect the poor through unjust working conditions, low wages and the lack of recognition of workers' rights. [145944]

Clare Short

The UK strongly endorses the efforts of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to extend the enforcement of core labour standards in all countries. For example, the UK ratified the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour in March 2000 and is working with the ILO to achieve the widest possible ratification and implementation worldwide. My Department is preparing a new Framework Agreement between DFID and the ILO.

There is no evidence that increased exports from poor countries lower labour standards. On the contrary: increased exports help support economic growth which is essential to the reduction of poverty.