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Supermarkets: Ethics

Volume 463: debated on Monday 10 September 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will bring forward proposals to make the ethical code of practice for UK supermarket retailers applying to workers in developing countries enforceable through legislation; and if he will make a statement. (152604)

The UK believes that the adoption of voluntary practices are effective means to improve labour standards in developing countries. We encourage high standards of behaviour through our support of initiatives such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and believe such voluntary initiatives have made an important contribution to the implementation of best practice throughout the supply chain. UK companies should behave responsibly and always observe the standards and laws of the country in which they operate. Enforcement of standards is best dealt with at a national level. The UK is strongly committed to the work of the International Labour Organisation and to promoting the internationally agreed ILO core labour standards which cover freedom of association and the right to organise and collective bargaining; the ending of forced and child labour; and the ending of discrimination in employment.