HC Deb 04 November 2002 vol 392 cc107-8W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what timber has been purchased and used in the redevelopment of 2 Marsham Street, London; and who supplied the timber. [77674]

Beverley Hughes

As of 4 November 2002, no works have been undertaken on the construction of the Home Office's new building at 2 Marsham Street. No timber has been purchased at this time.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures have been put in place to ensure that the redevelopment of 2 Marsham Street, London, will be covered by Government requirements to ensure timber purchases are from legal and sustainable sources. [77675]

Beverley Hughes

Procurement and use of legal timber has been identified as a requirement of the contract signed by the Home Office and Anne Gates Property plc (AGP) in March 2002. Independently verified documentary evidence will be obtained relating to the source of timber.

The contract requires timber to be certified by the supplier as purchased in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES); to be from a supplier with an environmental timber purchasing policy; and requires AGP to consider acquiring reclaimed timber or products made from reclaimed timber where it is cost-effective and practicable to do so.

AGP are minimizing the amount of hardwood used, both in terms of the use of alternative materials and through the use of veneers. AGP will also ensure, through their Quality Assurance systems, that rigorous checks are made to ensure that timber is procured from sources as contracted.