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21 Mar 2003 : Column 1270—continued
Mr. Joyce: Does the Minister think that it might be appropriate to have a particular label, which the NFU or some other organisation might establish, which might have some function in this respect for UK produce that was distinct and different from the Fairtrade label? That would preserve the brand as things stand at the moment.
Alun Michael: My hon. Friend makes an important point. The Government's approach to the matter is that assurance schemes, whether the Soil Association scheme, schemes that give assurances about the fat-free nature of products, the red tractor scheme or the Fairtrade label, are best dealt with primarily on a voluntary basis, with the encouragement of Government, rather than through a top-down approach. Having said that, my personal view as a consumer, more than as a Minister or Member of Parliament, is that a variety of labels can become very confusing. Often, people who are concerned about the quality and health benefits of the products that they buy are also the sort of people who would look for organic products and fairly traded products.
My hon. Friend has raised an extremely important issue, which poses a lot of challenges to which there is no easy answer. I hope, however, that the views that he has expressed will be taken into account by those who have the responsibility for responding to the consultation and discussion in January. I congratulate him on bringing such a big issue—it is not a small one—to the attention of the House in this Adjournment debate.
- Adjourned accordingly at one minute to Three o'clock.
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