§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department come from a sustainable source. [110153]
§ Dr. ReidThe Scotland Office aims to conserve resources and minimise waste by reducing the use of materials from non-renewable resources and ensure that any products derived from nature, such as paper and timber, come from sustainable resources and comply with 873W EU and international trading agreements such as the Convention on International Trading in Endangered Species (CITES).
My Department participates in a number of contracts established by the Scottish Executive. Guidance is issued to contractors to ensure that our purchasing policy takes full account of environmental considerations.
§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from a sustainable source. [110154]
§ Dr. ReidThe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is accepted by buyers as demonstrating that timber and timber products come from sustainably managed sources. However, it is not practicable to require that all paper and timber products purchased by my Department are certified by the FSC because this might discriminate against equally valid schemes and therefore be against public procurement rules.