Food Purchase by Public Bodies (Hansard, 31 October 2001)

HL Deb 31 October 2001 vol 627 c167WA 167WA

§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What guidance they would give to farmers and producers about the ability of:
(a) health trusts;

(b) local authorities; and

(c) government bodies and departments to purchase their food requirements from local producers and suppliers. [HL945]

§ Lord Whitty
The Government's policy is to help local farmers and producers market their produce effectively. Although public bodies are generally required to look at best value for money in their procurement decisions, they do represent a significant market which we would encourage farmers and producers to explore.