HC Deb 29 June 1993 vol 227 cc437-8W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. McLoughlin

The Department is committed to purchasing recycled paper and recycling paper stationery products, wherever possible; installing energy efficient lighting wherever practicable; and reducing the use of tropical hardwoods where possible in the Department's building works and furniture, making every effort to ensure that, when tropical hardwoods are used, they come from sustainable sources. All new petrol cars purchased have catalytic converters fitted. The Department's green housekeeping strategy does not at present cover the use of peat; however, this will be kept under review.