§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 2001,Official Report, column 913W, on fair trade goods, if he will review and increase the amount of fairly traded goods purchased by her Department during Fair Trade Fortnight. [35921]
396W
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe Department's procurement policy is about the achievement of value for money. The Department does not have a specific policy requiring the purchase of Fair Trade goods. Purchasing Officers are expected to consider each case on its merits with particular regard to the need for any products purchased to represent value for money.
The Department supports the sale of Fair Trade products including tea and coffee and confectionery including chocolate and cereal bars, which have been introduced in the staff restaurants. Declarations have been obtained from the contractor that the products sold are Fair Trade.