HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 c430W
Mr. Weir

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 2001,Official Report, column 703W, on fair trade goods, if he will review during Fair Trade Fortnight the amount of fairly traded goods used in his Department. [35456]

Mr. Leslie

My Department"s purchasing policy is based on value for money principles and purchases are considered on the basis of fitness for purpose and whole life cost. Where these considerations are equal the choice of goods is then influenced by ethical and environmental factors and fair trade goods will be considered in that context.

My officials will consider with the new service provider for the Department"s London offices the availability of fair trade goods in its refreshment facilities. Our contracted catering providers have assured us that wherever commercially practicable and viable they trade with companies who have their own ethical or fair trading initiatives.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether fair trade products are sold in his Department. [39828]

Mr. Leslie

Yes; our contracted catering providers have assured us that wherever commercially practicable and viable they trade with companies who have their own ethical or fair trading initiatives.

As I mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir) on 26 November 2001, Official Report, column 703W, the Cabinet Office will consider with the new service provider for the Department"s London offices the availability of fair trade goods in its refreshment facilities.