HC Deb 29 March 2001 vol 365 c718W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how his Department ensures that investments made by UK companies overseas are in projects that comply with the international human rights commitments to which the Government are a signatory. [155138]

Mr. Caborn

Advice on the prevailing market conditions is made available to UK companies on request. This reflects the Government's position on human rights elements, for example on the desirability of trade with certain countries. It is however for UK companies to judge whether to bid for projects or invest in particular markets.

More generally, the Government have sought to raise the profile of human rights considerations in the operations of companies overseas. for example in promoting the OECD Guidelines for Mult national Enterprises.