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Fairtrade Initiative

Volume 472: debated on Thursday 6 March 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to promote Fair Trade Fortnight 2008 amongst staff within his Department; and if he will make a statement. (189512)

The Department works very closely with its estate partner (Land Securities Trillium) and its catering service partner (Compass Group) as part of our commitment to the sustainable food procurement initiative. The Department is committed to supporting Fairtrade and over 60 per cent. of its tea and coffee purchases are Fairtrade certified products.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 is being promoted to staff on the Department’s intranet site. In addition, Compass is highlighting Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 using posters, leaflets and other promotional material.

The Department is working with Compass to expand on the range of Fairtrade products purchased and recently met jointly with Compass and the Fairtrade Foundation to build on this work for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009.