Local MP to chair new Parliamentary Fair Trade Inquiry

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Feb 2007

Malcolm chatting to Ethiopians about trade

Local MP Malcolm Bruce is supporting Fair Trade Fortnight (from this Monday) which promotes awareness of the links between local communities and international trade.

Mr. Bruce who is Chair of the influential cross-party Parliamentary International Development Select Committee also announced he will be chairing a new inquiry by the Committee into Fair Trade and Development.

Commenting on the new inquiry, Mr Bruce said:

"Fair trade is recognised by European institutions and agreements as a key tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction. The International Development Committee inquiry into fair trade and development will examine how effective fair trade is in reducing poverty and how donors - in particular the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) - can support fair trade in their development assistance."

The Aberdeenshire MP added:

"Our in-depth inquiry will explore many aspects including the role of supermarkets, retailers and businesses in supporting ethical and fair trade production, and how in an increasingly crowded ethical marketplace, consumers can be supported to distinguish between different fair trade brands, labels and codes. We will also be looking at current Government guidelines and how the international trade system impacts on ethical and fair trade production."

"It is my hope that the Committee's report will give a comprehensive view of the current fair-trade market which has strengthened significantly over recent years. Consumers quite rightly, are striving to make more considered and ethical decisions when it comes to their shopping choices and I hope our final report will help to keep them informed."

Recognising that Ellon has already achieved Fair Trade town status, one of only 250 or so towns or areas from across the UK to have done so, Mr Bruce said:

"Ellon and Aberdeen are leading the way in North East Scotland in terms of Fair Trade status and I hope other towns will be encouraged to follow their example and will try to implement the required five steps needed to achieve fair trade town status. This includes offering a range of Fair trade products in a town's shops and by serving the products in local cafes."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Further information on the Committee's Inquiry can be found on the International Development Select Committee's website

Fair trade fortnight runs from 26 February- 11 March. Further information can be found on the Fair Trade Foundation website.

More information on Ellon' fair-trade town status and associated events can be found on the Aberdeenshire Council's Fairtrade website.