§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amount of Brazilian mahogany has been(a) acquired and (b) specified by his Department in (i) 1996 and (ii) 1997, and for what purpose. [23519]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Ministry of Defence purchases some Brazilian Mahogany for use in Royal Navy ships, primarily for refurbishment or repair work to match 181W timber already installed in those vessels. No Brazilian Mahogany was acquired or specified by the MOD Ships Support Agency in 1996. An order was placed in 1997 for approximately 204 cubic metres and delivery is expected to be complete in 1998. This together with current stocks is expected to meet requirements for the next two years. It is the Ministry's policy that purchases of tropical timber, including mahogany, are made from reputable suppliers who are required to confirm that supplies are from sustainable sources.