§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the refurbishment projects that(a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber. [59764]
§ Mr. AlexanderI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, West and Royton (Mr. Meacher) set out the Government's policy on timber procurement in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Colin Burgon) on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 948W.
The Ripley Building and Kirkland House are currently being refurbished by the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office is working closely with Balfour Beatty, the main contractor, to seek to ensure that all timber for this project, that has not yet been ordered, is procured in accordance with that policy. A full investigation into timber procurement matters on this project has been undertaken by the Cabinet Office. A report of the findings of the investigation is due to be published shortly.
As part of some wider electrical and rewiring and redecoration works under way in Admiralty House, one new hardwood timber door is being procured. This is being procured from an independently-certified sustainable source.
In May 2002 the Cabinet Office entered into a private finance initiative contract with Initial Style Conferences Ltd. (ISC) for a rolling programme of construction and refurbishment works to the Sunningdale Park estate. The terms of the contract require ISC to purchase timber or timber products which are compliant with the Government's policy on timber procurement relevant at the time. The Cabinet Office will provide the details of the timber procurement policy relevant at any particular time and work with ISC to ensure their compliance with it.
The refurbishment of the National Crises Management Centre is due to commence within the next six months. The contract specification for this will include a clause stating that all timber used in the project should be procured in accordance with the Government's policy on timber procurement current at the time. The Cabinet Office will be responsible for providing details of the policy to the contractor and will work with them to help ensure their compliance with it.