AS predicted in The Hunts Post last week, Third World farmers will get a fair price for the tea, coffee and biscuits consumed at council meetings in Huntingdonshire. The district council agreed the move unanimously on Wednesday at the suggestion of Eynesb

AS predicted in The Hunts Post last week, Third World farmers will get a fair price for the tea, coffee and biscuits consumed at council meetings in Huntingdonshire.

The district council agreed the move unanimously on Wednesday at the suggestion of Eynesbury human rights lawyer Councillor Andrew Gilbert, who said Fair Trade was an effective strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development, guaranteeing farmers a fair and stable price for their produce, as well as extra income for their communities.

He assured fellow councillors that the scheme was rigorously audited, and the range of Fair Trade products now extended to beer - though he did not suggest that HDC should dispense it.

"The quality of Fair Trade products is now at least as good as non-Fair Trade equivalents and the Fair Trade mark guarantees that the cash actually goes to those who need it most. Fair Trade is not charity. It's good business and it will make a small difference in the lives of some of the world's poorest people.