asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the outstanding issues in the negotiations for a United Nations code of conduct for trans-national corporations; and if he will make a statement.

The Government continue to support negotiation of a balanced code, which could make a useful contribution to improving the climate for international investment, particularly in developing countries. On the main outstanding issues we consider that the code should be voluntary, should provide for non-discriminatory treatment by Governments of trans-national corporations and respect for international law, and should also be universally applicable.