Fair Trade

Nass – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 5 July 2005.

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Photo of David Hamilton David Hamilton Labour, Midlothian 2:30, 5 July 2005

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on encouraging fair trade in Scotland.

Photo of David Cairns David Cairns Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Scotland Office

Ministers have discussions on a range of issues with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development.

Photo of David Hamilton David Hamilton Labour, Midlothian

I thank the Minister for that answer. He will be aware that there are 32 local authorities in Scotland, 13 of which already have achieved fair trade status. A further 13 authorities are applying for fair trade status. Indeed, Midlothian council and Dumfries and Galloway council have made applications to join that group. Will the Minister use his facilities to write to every local authority in Scotland to ask them to take the lead and show the private sector and every other organisation that they should incorporate fair trade as part of their culture?

Photo of David Cairns David Cairns Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Scotland Office

I am happy to congratulate Midlothian and Dumfries and Galloway councils on seeking fair trade status, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend who has been the driving force for that in Midlothian. It is excellent when local authorities seek fair trade status because it does two things: it raises awareness of fair trade products in the area and, because local authorities are significant consumers, it means that more and more fair trade products are sold. I would certainly be happy to encourage every local authority and, indeed, every public and private sector body in Scotland to consider seeking fair trade status themselves.