Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 February 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the outcome of his Department's visit to China in connection with the Cut and Sew contract.

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of his Department's visit to China in connection with the cut and sew contract. [214548] Mr. Ingram: Ministry of Defence personnel visited sub-contractors in China at the request of and accompanying the prime contractor. This was to assure the Ministry of Defence that finished garments will be supplied to specification and on time. The visit team also confirmed that there was no cause for concern about the standards that sub-contractors employed. The prime contractor understands its responsibility to manage sub-contractors and ensures a minimum age of employees. The prime contractor also showed that it monitors ethical standards, and environmental considerations. Under the terms of the contract I cannot comment on sub-contractor details specifically, however, I can inform you that evidence was shown that employees were paid more than the minimum wage stipulated by Chinese government legislation. There was also evidence that sub-contractors were maintaining a good and loyal staff, and enjoyed a low labour turnover.

Secondary information