§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. RedwoodMy Department's strategy for green housekeeping includes specific commitments to extend the use of recycled paper in the Welsh Office and to reduce energy consumption by various means including the procurement and use of low-energy light sources where appropriate.
Our general purchasing policy also gives full weight to environmental considerations in the procurement of all goods including tropical hardwoods and we seek to use environmentally acceptable alternatives to peat and peat-based products wherever possible. We are considering a policy of operating vehicles fitted with catalytic converters.