Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Bilston (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 July 2000 on behalf of the Catering Committee.

Catering Select Committee

Question: To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, what percentage of food and drink served in the House is organic.

Answer: Mr. Brake: To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what percentage of food and drink served in the House is organic. [129376] Mr. Dennis Turner: The House of Commons Refreshment Department does not compile any statistics on the quantity of organic food and drink purchased or sold through its catering operations. The Department is a member of the Soil Association and recognises the significant demand for organic produce. Last year the Department introduced, on a trial basis, an organic menu in the Members' Dining Room. While indisputably popular with its customers, the menu was reluctantly discontinued as a consequence of the inconsistent availability and quality of supply, and the high cost of such produce. The Department now pursues a policy of purchasing organic produce or ingredients wherever consistent availability and quality can be guaranteed by suppliers, and where it is judged that the price to be passed on to the Department's customers is affordable.

Secondary information