Mr. SheermenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures his Department has taken to encourage local authorities to procure timber products from sustainable sources. [63060]
§ Mr. RaynsfordLocal authorities are responsible in law for their own decisions on procurement. It is for them to decide whether or not to procure timber products from sustainable sources. In doing so they need to have regard to achieving Best Value and abide by relevant Procurement legislation.
My Department has not issued specific guidance on this issue. Central Government's timber procurement policy statement is widely available and can be adapted or adopted by local authorities if they wish. Officials from my Office, DEFRA and the OGC are working with local government through the Improvement and Development Agency to explore means by which local authorities can pursue sustainable development through their procurement activities.