§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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. [110722]
§ Jane KennedyMy Department does not use peat compost in the gardens that it owns. The Department's Environment Strategy, while not specifically referring to peat compost, makes a commitment to the integration of sound environmental practice into operational activities. The agents responsible for managing my Department's estate are required to integrate good environment practice into the procurement and supervision of grounds maintenance contracts.
Information on the use of peat compost on land managed in trust my Department is not collected and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.