Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 April 2010. It was answered by Barbara Follett (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 April 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Departmental Food

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what account his Department's food procurement policy takes of animal welfare.

Answer: Communities and Local Government's (CLG) catering contract specifies that the provider shall take account of and support the Department in fulfilling the objectives of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) guidance for Public Sector Food Procurement Initiatives. The initiative aims to deliver a world class sustainable farming and food sector, including the consideration of animal health and welfare, and provides data on domestically produced food used by, and supplied to Government Departments.CLG reports to DEFRA on procurement of food, catering services and catering equipment, indicating the proportion of UK produced supplied from farm assured, organic, Fairtrade and seasonal produce.

Secondary information