Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment on the effect on the Fairtrade scheme of the decision of Sainsbury's and other retailers to withdraw from that scheme; and if she will make a statement.

DFID is a longstanding supporter of Fairtrade and other standards organisations which fall under the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling (ISEAL) Alliance umbrella. Certification by these organisations assures consumers that standards are being met and can help producers receive a better price for their goods. There is not yet sufficient information available on the Sainsbury’s Sustainability Standards for DFID to make an assessment. Officials will monitor the progress of the scheme, including its impact on Fairtrade.