HC Deb 14 February 2000 vol 344 cc357-9W
Mr. McLoughlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the council tax payable in the area of Derbyshire Dales District Council for bands A-H for the last five years. [110078]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The table shows the gross council tax liability on properties in the bands A-H over the last five years.

Ms Beverley Hughes

The table shows the gross council tax liability on properties in the bands A-H over the last five years.

Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department come from a sustainable source. [110186]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Among the key aims of DETR's Greening Operations policy statement are: to conserve resources and minimise waste by reducing our reliance on virgin materials and ensuring that any products derived from wildlife—such as paper and timber—are from sustainable sources and comply with EU and international trading rules such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The Department's policy statement also requires the purchase of 100 per cent. recycled paper for non-specialist use comprising at least 80 per cent. genuine post consumer waste with any virgin pulp coming from sustainably managed woodlands. It also promotes the purchase of sustainably produced timber and timber products by, for example, requiring buyers to specify in orders and contracts thatsuppliers provide documentary evidence (which has been, or if necessary can be, independently verified) that the timber has been lawfully obtained from forests and plantations which are managed to sustain their biodiversity, productivity and vitality, and to prevent harm to other ecosystems and any indigenous or forest-dependent people".

More guidance is given to buyers on these and other options in DETR's Green Guide for Buyers which is readily available on the Internet. The Department monitors its performance on these and other aspects of its operations and publishes an annual report showing progress made. It has also set up an inter-departmental buyers' timber group to raise awareness and promote best practice across Government.