To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland at how many events held by his Department (a) wine and (b) Fairtrade wine were served in the last three years; and what assessment his Department has made of the merits of serving Fairtrade wine at future events. (196945)

We serve wine at all receptions held by the Scotland Office. We have served Fairtrade wine at one reception in the past three years. The Scotland Office has a policy of using local produce wherever possible so as to reduce ‘food miles’ and our carbon footprint in line with Government targets for sustainable development. The wine served is organically grown and uses recycled packaging materials. We are currently drafting a policy for hospitality procurement. The policy will be designed to promote Fairtrade and sustainable development wherever possible.