§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on how her Department is working with Caribbean banana smallholders and the Fairtrade Foundation to encourage the introduction of fair trade bananas to the UK market. [127886]
§ Mr. FoulkesI met with the Fairtrade Foundation on 13 June to discuss their request for DFID support for the launch of the Fairtrade Windward Island Banana Campaign later this year. We have agreed to provide support for this campaign, and discussions on the details are continuing.
§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on how her Department is working with the EU and other institutions to assist Caribbean banana smallholders. [127887]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe are continuing to press the European Commission to reach an agreement on a successor bananas regime that will not be WTO-compatible but will enable the continuation of a viable—albeit restructured—banana industry in the Caribbean. We are also continuing to work actively with the European Commission and other donors in a programme to support and encourage necessary reforms to achieve a more commercially based banana industry in the Eastern Caribbean. This programme is being supported by substantial funding488W from the Stabex facility and the EC Special Framework of Assistance for banana industry restructuring, economic diversification and social safety net provision during the transition process.