Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 June 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer of 23rd January, Official Report, column 514W, on paper supplies, whether any of the paper or paper products supplied to his Department by Premier Paper are supplied by Stora Enso's Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland; and what assessment has been made of whether this paper contains (a) timber from old growth forests and (b) timber that may have been logged illegally in Russia.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 23 January 2003, Official Report, column 514W, on paper supplies, whether any of the paper or paper products supplied to his Department by Premier Paper are supplied by Stora Enso's Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland; and what assessment has been made of whether this paper contains (a) timber from old growth forests and (b) timber that may have been logged illegally in Russia. [117545] Mr. Jamieson: Paper and paper products supplied to my Department by Premier Paper are not supplied from Stora Enso's Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland. Over 94 per cent. of the paper that we use is made from material containing a high proportion of post consumer waste. Our approach is to phase out virgin paper for non-specialist uses and where it is used we specify that it should be made from pulp that comes from sources that have been independently verified as legal and sustainably managed in accordance with Government Policy. This should ensure that the Department does not purchase any paper that contains (a) timber from old growth forests and (b) timber that may have been logged illegally in Russia. However, I am taking steps to ensure not only that the policy is understood and implemented but also that it is being policed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 117545; 407 c224W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Department for Transport Government departments Forestry Finland Procurement Paper Timber Smuggling Forest products
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk