Written question asked by Alan Duncan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will exempt Fair Trade products from the requirement on local authorities to purchase less expensive alternatives under the terms of their Best Value procurement obligations.

Answer: Mr. Alan Duncan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will exempt Fair Trade products from the requirement on local authorities to purchase less expensive alternatives under the terms of their Best Value procurement obligations. [224232] Mr. Raynsford: Local authorities are responsible for taking their own decisions on procurement within the framework of the European Union Treaty, the EU Procurement Directives, the regulations that implement them in the UK and other domestic legislation. Fair trade options have to be considered by local authorities within this framework. The duty of Best Value, as laid down in legislation, requires authorities to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which they exercise their functions, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Best Value recognises that successful procurement strategies are likely to be based on whole life cost considerations that include subsequent revenue implications, and not simply the lowest initial tender price.

Secondary information