§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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.
§ Mr. LangThe Scottish Office currently uses recycled paper for headed notepaper, office notices, envelopes and high-volume litho work. My staff monitor progress by manufacturers in this field and seek to extend the use of recycled paper when practicable. Low-energy light bulbs are used whenever that is feasible, and new energy-efficient fittings are installed as resources permit. Contracts for furniture and fittings specify that only woods from sustainable forests may be used in their manufacture. My Department does not purchase or use peat. Our policy is to replace petrol-burning engines with diesel across the full range of transport operations. All new vehicles are ordered with diesel engines wherever possible. Remaining petrol units operate on unleaded fuel and have catalytic converters fitted as standard equipment.