§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much was spent on food by his Department and by each of the agencies for which it is responsible in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; what proportion of that food by value was produced in the United Kingdom; what guidance he has issued to encourage the procurement of home-produced food; and if he will make a statement. [129373]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID's headquarters catering services purchased food costing £121,000 in 20012–02 (only part-year figures are available, dating from the start of the current contract) and £224,000 in 2002–03. The caterers estimate that around 60 per cent. was produced in the UK. We have agreed an action plan with them to implement the Government's policy for sustainable food procurement.