§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what fair trade criteria he sets when deciding upon what suppliers to use. [8996]
155W
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggI refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by the Chief Secretary on 9 December 2002,Official report, column 92W which read as follows.
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 Fair trade Foundation's efforts in promoting the supply and marketing of Fair trade products".In line with Government procurement policy the evaluation of tenders is based on value for money considerations having due regard to propriety and regularity. The use of fair trade products was given due consideration alongside other requirements during the recent catering service procurement with a subsequent clause included within the contract requiring that, wherever possible, fair trade beverages are offered for sale in all DfES Head Office restaurants.