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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Monday, 5 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 June 2023. It was answered by Lord Johnson of Lainston (Conservative) on Monday, 19 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Bricks: Imports

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government how many bricks the UK imports from South Asia and other countries in the Global South; and what steps they are taking to ensure that their production does not involve child labour, conditions which could lead to poor health or the exploitation of workers.

Answer

In 2022 the UK imported £11.4 million (around 38 thousand tonnes) of bricks from the Global South, of which £4.6 million (around 10 thousand tonnes) were from South Asia.

The UK is a leading country in confronting the scourge of modern slavery and committed to working with partners to achieve sustainability in our supply chains. The Modern Slavery Act requires businesses with a turnover of £36m or more to publish modern slavery statements annually to report on the steps taken to prevent modern slavery.

The UK has ratified nine ILO Fundamental Conventions, including on the abolition of child labour and forced labour.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL8191
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Children Developing countries Employment Imports Bricks Exploitation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk