§ Mr. Bercow:To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether it is the policy of her Department to use fair trade products, as a matter of course, in (a) sales on Departmental premises and (b) receptions and meetings involving staff and visitors. [142816]
§ Ms Hewitt:Departmental policy is to promote the use of fair trade products. However, this is set against the background of the need to obtain best value for money, the EC procurement rules and the Department's objectives. Within these guidelines the Depatment is committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible.
Within our main headquarters buildings, fair trade tea and coffee are as a matter of course (a) sold in the Departmental Staff Restaurants and (b) used for receptions and meetings involving staff and visitors.