Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans Parliament has to recognise Fair Trade Fortnight.

The Houses of Parliament have for many years recognised and supported Fair Trade Fortnight. Catering customers are made aware of Fair Trade Fortnight through promotional screens and posters in the catering venues. In addition, members of the Catering Team speak to interested customers at their tables about the Fair Trade organisation during the fortnight.

The House Service sources products that meet UK or equivalent standards of production, and considers purchasing Fairly Traded products where there is a competitive market. Since 1997, all coffee sold in catering outlets has been Fairtrade. Fairtrade products, including a variety of popular drinks and snacks labelled with the Fairtrade mark, are also sold by Catering Services in Parliament. Additionally, Parliament’s bottled water supplier is a social enterprise that donates proceeds to Water Aid.