To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 March 2009, Official Report, columns 621-22W, on the Democratic Republic of Congo: mining, what steps his Department has taken to promote good practice in (a) the exportation of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and (b) the mining sector; and if he will make a statement. (282836)

We continue to work with other governments to identify ways to encourage companies involved in the trade of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to follow appropriate practices, and to promote the lawful trade of natural resources. Since the Answer of 12 March 2009 to which the hon. Member refers, we have agreed a series of recommendations, some of which stemmed from the research of British officials, with international partners.

We are carrying out research to determine whether British companies involved in the trade of minerals from DRC are acting in a way which might be subject to UN sanctions. We are also supporting implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in partnership with the World Bank, Germany, Belgium and the European Commission.