Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 December 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to fund the establishment and maintenance of the Central Point of Expertise on Timber.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to fund the establishment and maintenance of the central point of expertise on timber. [201260] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department supports the initiative to set up the central point of expertise on timber (CPET). We are committed to purchasing from sustainable sources and we purchase our wooden furniture from companies that meet the highest environmental standards. However, the Department's requirement for construction timber is minimal and is not likely to increase in the foreseeable near future. We have to concentrate resources on issues that directly relate to health. As the CPET does not meet this criterion, the Department is not able to contribute at the present time.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201260; 428 c507W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Contracts Finance Government departments Procurement Timber Department of Health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk