§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 8 January 2002,Official Report, column 736W, on fair trade goods, if she will review and increase the amount of fairly traded goods purchased by her Department during Fair Trade Fortnight. [35915]
§ Mr. Morley[pursuant to the reply, 8 January 2002, c. 736W]: Support for fair trade initiatives both in developing countries and the UK has been given by the Department for International Development. This support forms part of a wider dialogue with the private sector to encourage them to adopt more socially responsible and ethical business practises.
Within DEFRA, the management of catering is outsourced and the use or promotion of particular goods is not yet a specific requirement under these arrangements though we will look seriously into making this a choice available for staff.