§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. AitkenIt is MOD policy that all procurement decisions take account of the environmental implications of the available options. Accordingly, recycled paper is purchased for all types of paper stationery applications wherever it can be obtained at a reasonable cost and is adequate to the task. Low-energy light bulbs are fitted as replacements wherever suitable light fittings are available and energy-efficient lighting systems are installed during building refurbishment programmes. Softwoods and other materials are used in preference to tropical hardwoods whenever possible; where the use of hardwoods is considered essential, our contracts specify that only hardwoods obtained from sustainably managed sources are to be used. Existing guidelines permit the use of peat based soil improvers on the defence estate. These are currently being reviewed and will take into account the outcome of current DOE work on peat extraction and use. Most types of vehicles purchased by my Department run on diesel fuel, with petrol engines being restricted to certain specialised vehicles. When the latter are purchased, we stipulate that they should be fitted with catalytic converters.