§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of food purchased by the(a) MOD, (b) NHS and (c) DFES was locally sourced in the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [103348]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 18 March 2003]: Defra is leading an initiative designed to encourage key public sector bodies to procure their food and catering services in a manner that promotes sustainable development and does not discriminate against local and UK suppliers. However, we do not hold information on the proportion of food purchased by the MOD, NHS and DfES from local sources. This is a question that should be addressed to them, although they may only be able to supply figures for food purchased from UK sources, as they are unlikely to collect such detailed information. DfES does not purchase food for schools or other educational institutions, as this is the responsibility of individual schools etc or, where budgets have not been delegated, that of the local education authority.