Written question asked by Andy Reed (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 February 2000 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, 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. - Including ref to 14 February 2000, 344 c357W.

Answer: Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [110217] Mr. Paul Murphy: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston (Ms Hughes) on 14 February 2000, Official Report, column 357W. It is not practicable to require that all paper and timber products purchased by my Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council because this might discriminate against any equally valid schemes and therefore be against public procurement rules.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 344 c847W; 110217
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Environment protection Government departments Paper Sustainable development Timber Wales Office Forest products Forest Stewardship Council