§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will provide a substantive reply to the letter of 31 July about public procurement from the hon. Member for Christchurch; and what is the explanation for the delay. [16463]
§ Mr. LeslieThe hon. Member's letter of 31 July, which refers to what advice the Cabinet Office gives to Government Departments and public sector procurement directors about the desirability of purchasing office furniture which has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it will be replying directly to the hon. Member shortly.
The delay occurred due to an administrative error in the allocation of this case to the correct Government Department.