§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he has sent out to end-users of hardwood in projects financed by his Department about policy in relation to the procurement of hardwoods from endangered rain forests and well-managed sustainable sources.
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§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 14 October 1991]: The recently published Department of the Environment "Environmental Action Guide" is available to staff in all Departments, including The Scottish Office, who are involved in estate management, construction works and general purchasing associated with the 662W management of buildings. It provides a framework for the consideration by building and purchasing managers of a wide range of environmental issues, including the aim of reducing dependence on non-sustainably produced hardwoods. More detailed advisory notes on specific topics, including timber, are currently in preparation.