Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2004. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what measures are in place to deal with Central American garment factories that are found not to comply with the relevant codes of conduct.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures are in place to deal with Central American garment factories that are found not to comply with the relevant codes of conduct. [155279] Mr. Gareth Thomas: If a Central American garment factory is found not to comply with codes of conduct enshrined in national legislation, the relevant government institution is responsible for taking remedial actions, as laid out within the legislation. If, however, a garment factory is found not to comply with the corporate codes of conduct specified by the retailers with which the garment factory has a contract, remedial actions are identified by the independent monitor by the retailers to ensure compliance. If these actions are not taken, the factory is liable to be fined by the retailers, or in serious breaches, to losing the contract. The threat of losing a contract is a powerful incentive for a factory to implement these actions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 418 c97W; 155279
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Codes of practice Clothing Manufacturing industries Factories Central America
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk