§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she plans to take to assist the marketing of a Fair Trade labelled banana in the United Kingdom. [24822]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 23 January 1998]: The Department for International Development is currently considering the possibility of some assistance for the marketing of "Fair Trade" bananas in the United Kingdom. In general, Fair Trade labels are a market response to consumer demand, and industry is in the best position to consider the commercial desirability of such labels. Any assistance offered by the Government would have to be compatible with the United Kingdom's obligation under World Trade Organisation agreements.