HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc583-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much certified timber has been used in the refurbishment of the Treasury building; and what proportion of the total timber purchased for this refurbishment this represents. [35687]

Ruth Kelly

A significant majority of all timber used in the refurbishment already existed in the building. Exchequer Partnership plc, the consortium undertaking the refurbishment, has satisfied itself as far as is reasonably practical that all new timber used is certified or obtained from sustainable sources. Preference is always given to timber and timber products carrying the

Ruth Kelly

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Shaun Woodward, dated 14 February 2002 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent questions about (i) civilian engineers, (ii) office workers and (iii) employment in managerial, professional and technical occupations. The table overleaf provides the available information from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for autumn (September to November) 2001. Information for earlier years is not available on a consistent basis. "Office workers" are not specifically identified in the LFS, but many of the people included in the occupation categories shown in the table will have jobs which are office-based.

FSC trademark or other label from an equivalent internationally recognised independent certification system for good forest management.

Ms Walley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action was taken by his Department to ensure that timber procured for the refurbishment of the Treasury building was sourced(a) sustainably and (b) legally. [35688]

Ruth Kelly

Under the terms of the contract, Exchequer Partnership plc warrants that neither it nor its sub-contractors have committed any illegal act, and the Treasury has the power to terminate the contract if they are found to be in breach. All new timber used in the project has, wherever possible, come from sustainable sources as required by the contract.

Ms Walley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent on timber for the refurbishment of the Treasury building. [35689]

Ruth Kelly

This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.