Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 16 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 July 2008. It was answered by David Cairns (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 September 2008 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Departmental Paper

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of paper used (a) for photocopying and (b) in printed publications by his Department was from recycled sources in each of the last two years.

Answer: The Scotland Office participates in a contract, let by the Scottish Executive, which allows for the purchase of photocopy paper from recycled sources. All areas with purchasing authority have been advised to procure recycled paper for the purpose of photocopying.The Office obtains printed publications from a variety of sources. Figures are not held centrally of the percentage of recycled paper used in printed publications. However, the Office routinely requires that printers source paper that has a minimum of 75 per cent. recycled content.

Secondary information