Written question asked by Andy Reed (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Thursday, 27 July 2000 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from a sustainable source.

Answer: Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from a sustainable source. [110154] Dr. Reid: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is accepted by buyers as demonstrating that timber and timber products come from sustainably managed sources. However, it is not practicable to require that all paper and timber products purchased by my Department are certified by the FSC because this might discriminate against equally valid schemes and therefore be against public procurement rules.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 354 c873W; 110154
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Environment protection Government departments Paper Sustainable development Timber Scotland Office Forest products
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk