PRODUCT INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Early day motion 1137, tabled 17 April 2002 by Colin Challen (Labour). Signed by 41 members.

That this House supports the right of consumers to know how the products and services they purchase are made, distributed and sold; therefore calls upon all interested parties to explore the possibility of standardised sustainable development product information appearing on products and in the specifications of services which would provide a standard measure of information on the product or service in question regarding environmental, employment and resource issues; notes that such a scheme could incorporate the use of modern technology such as the Internet to help facilitate the free exchange of information on products and services amongst citizens; further notes that given that such a scheme would be wholly in accord with the laudable objectives contained in the preamble to the Marrakesh declaration which established the World Trade Organisation believes that the WTO should organise a conference to agree the basic standards of sustainable development to be used in such a scheme and bear any financial and administrative costs associated with creating and maintaining it; and further notes that it would be beneficial for all producers and suppliers of products and services to participate in such a scheme in order to maximise public confidence in their products and services.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 1.