§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many coastal defence projects using timber are under way; how much funding her Department has provided for these projects; and what measures have been taken to ensure that this timber is from sustainable sources. [134504]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 27 October 2003]: Defra does not collect information on the materials used by operating authorities in coastal defence projects and it would involve disproportionate cost to do so.
Defra's guidance to operating authorities on the use of resources is that care should always be taken to minimise any detrimental impacts on biodiversity and the wider environment. It is preferable to use resources that are abundant rather than those that are scarce, and to use those resources as efficiently as possible. In addition, where timber is used, Defra encourages operating authorities to obtain tropical and native timbers from certified and sustainable sources.