§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that all departments and public sector agencies require that pigmeat supplied under their catering contracts be produced according to UK welfare standards. [99057]
§ Ms QuinWe cannot dictate to public procurement authorities, but we will continue to seek to persuade them that buying to British welfare and other standards offers good value and meets the needs of their "customers". 19W To back up this message, my right hon. Friend the Minister has written to local councils and health authorities in England to emphasise the importance of sourcing to British standards. As the welfare legislation was passed in this House with an overwhelming majority, we also believe that every right hon. and hon. Member has a duty to raise this issue with public procurement authorities in their constituencies.