Houses of Parliament: Fair Trade Products

Lord Hoyle
asked the Chairman of Committees:

What progress has been made in discussions with the House of Commons Refreshment Department about the purchase of fair trade bananas from it. [HL3466]

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara)
The Commons Refreshment Department took the decision recently to cease the purchase of fair trade bananas. As a result, the Lords Refreshment Department will be unable to procure fair trade bananas from the Commons. The Lords Refreshment Department investigated alternative supply routes and identified a potential supplier. The supplier proposed purchasing terms that would have required the House to order a minimum of 18 to 19 kilogrammes of fair trade bananas per delivery. This is three times in excess of the House's daily needs and would have resulted in significant wastage. The supplier was also unable to guarantee consistent quality and a regular supply of bananas.

Based on this information, the department took the decision not to pursue the contract on the grounds that it would not prove cost-effective or meet the practical needs of the House. The department continues to support the sale of fair trade products in its outlets and will explore other supply routes for fair trade bananas that become available.