Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 24 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Thursday, 31 January 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations she has received about child slavery (a) in general and (b) in Gabon, Togo and Benin; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received about child slavery (a) in general and (b) in Gabon, Togo and Benin; and if she will make a statement. [31459] Clare Short: Concern has been expressed about child trafficking and slavery in a number of regions, including Gabon, Togo and Benin and other parts of West Africa. The Government are strongly committed to the elimination of child slavery and all forms of abusive or exploitative child labour. We are supporting the efforts of governments, working with our European partners and international bodies such as UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation, and voluntary agencies such as Anti-Slavery International, to end these practices, both in domestic and export industries.

Secondary information