§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to take steps as recommended by paragraphs 177 and 178 of the UN Expert Panel report to ensure compliance by UK-based companies and individuals with OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises. [81317]
§ Ms HewittThe proposal that countries, which are signatories to the OECD Guidelines, ensure their companies adhere to and act on the Guidelines, is one of a wide range of recommendations made by the UN Expert Panel report being considered by the Government. In consultations at the UN on 13 November 2002, a number of states asked for more information to be made available to substantiate the report's allegations. The UK has also asked the UN directly for more information, but has not yet received a response.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of whether UK-based companies have breached OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises in respect of activities in the DRC, as set out in the UN Expert Panel report. [81318]
§ Ms HewittThe claim that a number of UK companies are in breach of the OECD Guidelines in respect of their activities in the DRC is one of a number of violations alleged by the UN Expert Panel report, which is being considered by the Government. In consultations at the UN on 13 November 2002, a number of states asked for more information to be made available to substantiate the report's allegations. The UK has also asked the UN directly for more information, but has not yet received a response.
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