To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on trafficked children being compelled to work harvesting cocoa beans; and if she will make a statement. (118000)

We continue to be concerned about media reports of children trafficked into working in cocoa farms. We support international efforts, including the work of the International Labour Organisation, the governments concerned, the cocoa industry and civil society to eradicate these practices. The eradication of all the worst forms of child labour, as outlined in ILO convention 182, is one of our human rights priorities.

In 2001, the UK discussed the working practices of the cocoa industry in West Africa with various bodies including manufacturers, retailers, non-governmental organisations and producer governments. We continue to monitor the situation and will make representations as necessary.