§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on the purchase, for departmental use, of fair trade products. [99290]
§ Ms HewittDepartmental policy is to promote the purchase of fair trade products. However, this is set 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 is 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.