HL Deb 25 January 2005 vol 668 cc154-5WA
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average unit cost of producing a "normal glossy" document; and whether there is room for cost-savings to be effected in this area. [HL697]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

There is no average cost for producing a "normal glossy" document. The cost of producing any document will depend upon its size, content, format and the paper used. The standing advice to departments produced by Her Majesty's Stationery Office makes it clear that anything which adds to the cost should be used only where the improvement in presentation can be justified.

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether government departments have considered ceasing production of documents with laminated covers that create recycling problems.[HL698]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Government encourage everybody in the public and private sectors to use recycled printing papers to comply with the waste strategy 2000 initiative and the sustainable procurement agenda. The recycled printing papers framework will continue to promote the use of recycled papers in central government and to develop and expand the market place to meet the demands for recycled paper in the production of printed materials including publicity and campaign material, publications and printed stationery. Since the framework was put in place in 2000 use of the framework has more than doubled from 2,290 tonnes being called off in the first year to over 5,000 tonnes being called off in 2003–04.

Print buyers within COI and government departments will always advise clients of the most environmentally friendly approach to their publication needs that also meets the time and budget constraints they are working to. Laminated covers should generally be used only for documents where it aids usability and longevity.

Existing guidance issued by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in respect of government Command Papers and other documents will be extended to make it clear that departments should ensure that these are capable of being recycled and that they should generally seek to avoid use of laminated papers or other materials which reduce the scope for recycling.