HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 cc91-2W
Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fair trade criteria the Government apply when deciding upon what suppliers to use. [85419]

Mr. Boateng

There is no Government-wide approach to the procurement of fair trade products. Each Government Department is responsible for making its own decisions on such products, against the background of the Government's value for money policy, the EC procurement rules and the Department's objectives. However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has made clear, the Government are committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible, and provide significant support to the Fairtrade Foundation's efforts in promoting the supply and marketing of fair trade products.