§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to phase out the use of peat compost in gardens(a) owned and (b) tended by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [110716]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyMy Department does not own or tend any gardens.
However, my Department has a Green Guide for suppliers of goods and services, to operate a purchasing policy which gives full weight to environmental considerations in the procurement of all goods and services. The horticultural policy is to use alternatives to peat such as bark chippings, coir, composts, green manuring, leaf mould, manures and seaweed based products.