HL Deb 12 May 2003 vol 648 c2WA
Lord Chan asked Her Majesty's Government

Whether they will raise with the Government of China the illicit sale of babies by Chinese women reportedly attempting to avoid fines for over-quota births under China's one child policy. [HL2543]

The Secretary of State for International Development (Baroness Amos):

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for International Development last discussed China's one-child policy with the Chinese State Family Planning Minister in May 2002.

We are aware of media reports of the illicit trade in babies. We have made clear to the Chinese our view that family planning policies should be based on free and informed parental choice and not on coercion.