Written question asked by Tony Wright (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 November 1998. It was answered by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 November 1998 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, What progress has been made on measures to ensure that companies work to eliminate the use of child labour in countries where they operate or are supplied from. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Dr. Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on measures to ensure that companies work to eliminate the use of child labour in countries where they operate or are supplied from. [57811] Mr. Foulkes: We support the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) whose members--companies, development NGOs and trade unions--are developing best practices in implementing voluntary supplier codes. Among other things, these codes aim to eliminate child labour in supply chains. ETI is part of a consumer-led movement against child labour to which many companies have responded. We are also supporting ILO programmes for the elimination of child labour which are supported by the unions, Governments and employers representatives that make up the ILO governing body. In addition we are examining the scope for increasing the effectiveness of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and will be pressing for the incorporation of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, of which the effective abolition of child labour is a crucial part.

Secondary information