VAT RELIEF ON FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS

That this House welcomes the 2011 Fairtrade Fortnight; calls on the Government to consider bringing forward proposals in the forthcoming budget to reduce the amount of VAT charged on Fairtrade products to further encourage the sale of ethical products to retailers as well as to encourage more producers to sign up to the Fairtrade initiative; believes that such a move would show the Government's commitment to promoting ethical consumer choices; calls on businesses to promote sustainable development and a reduction inpoverty; and welcomes the 40 per cent. increase in sales in 2010 that saw Fairtrade sales top 1 billion.