§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his Department's policy on the purchase and use of(a) recycled paper, (b) low-energy light bulbs, (c) tropical hardwoods, (d) peat and (e) cars with catalytic converters.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Employment Department, in common with other Government Departments, has produced an environmental strategy which sets out our policy on environmental and energy issues.
It contains commitments to purchase and use recycled paper wherever this is practical; to reduce energy consumption by, among other means, the installation of more efficient equipment including low-energy light bulbs; to purchase goods and services which avoid dependence on the production and use of non-renewable resources such as tropical hardwoods; and to fit all Departmental vehicles with catalytic converters where possible.
Although we have no specific policy on the use of peat, the general commitment against the use of non-renewable resources would cover it.