HC Deb 16 January 2003 vol 397 c793W
Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what fair trade criteria she sets when deciding upon what suppliers to use. [89913]

Ms Hewitt

It is government policy to promote fair trade products, against the background of the need to obtain best value for money, the EC procurement rules and the Department's objectives. Within these guidelines the Department and its Agencies are committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible. For example, the Department's Catering Contractor to its London Restaurants makes available fair trade tea and coffee to staff.