§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister what action he is taking under the UK presidency of the EU to promote initiatives on green procurement. [36883]
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§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 30 March 1998]: The environment is one of the UK's key themes for its Presidency. A Communication issued by the European Commission on 11 March "Public Procurement in the European Union" examines, among other things, the role that public procurement can play in protecting the environment. The Communication sets out the Commission's proposal to issue an interpretative document on the issues which arise. The Government will seek to ensure that public purchasers can continue to specify their requirements appropriately.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set a date by which the environmental policy and practice of firms competing for public contracts will become an essential element in the assessment of all bids for Government contracts. [36880]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 30 March 1998]: The Government's policy is that the procurement of goods and services should be based on value for money. In specifying their requirements, departments will take account of the Government's environmental policies and their own "green housekeeping" strategies. In deciding which offer represents best value for money, departments will take account of whole life costs (for example, energy consumption).