§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what means the policy for purchasing timber and timber products of(a) the Foreign Office and (b) each of its overseas missions, ensures that they are obtained from legal and sustainable sources.[141334]
Mr. RummellOur procurement policy follows the best practice guidance set out by Defra.
The requirement to purchase only legal and sustainable timber and timber products is laid down in the FCO's purchasing manual, which applies to all staff and contractors procuring such materials on behalf of FCO and to those making major purchases on behalf of overseas missions.
We also mandate the use of the Defra model contract clause on timber source verification in applicable contracts. This is designed to ensure that only timber or timber products from legal and sustainable sources is supplied.
We are considering the practicalities of extending this policy to cover minor building works and furniture purchase which our overseas missions fund from their devolved budgets.