§ Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what remit relating to sustainable development is required by the Department's(a) executive agencies, (b) advisory non-departmental bodies, (c) executive non-departmental bodies, (d) tribunals, (e) public corporations and (f) other bodies. [116677]
§ Hilary BennDFID is not responsible for any Executive Agencies, advisory or executive non-departmental bodies or tribunals. It is however responsible for CDC Group plc, a self-financing public corporation which it wholly owns.
In 1999, DFID established an Investment Policy to which CDC Group plc must work. This involves using its capital so as to maximize the creation and long-term growth of viable businesses in poorer developing countries through responsible investment and by mobilising private finance.
It requires the company to seek best practice in the areas of personal and corporate integrity, social issues (including the prohibition of child or forced labour and of discriminatory practices), environmental standards, Health and Safety, transparency and compliance with laws and fiscal requirements. It also forbids any investment in businesses dealing with military and nuclear products, illegal drugs, gambling, pornography or tobacco.