Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 June 2004. It was answered by Lord Bilston (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004 on behalf of the Catering Committee.

Catering Select Committee

Question: To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, what percentage of (a) fruit and (b) vegetables available for sale within the House are (i) organic and (ii) sourced within the UK.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what percentage of (a) fruit and (b) vegetables available for sale within the House are (i) organic and (ii) sourced within the UK. [179923] Mr. Dennis Turner: The Refreshment Department uses organic produce when it represents value for money, is of an appropriate quality and can be delivered in sufficient quantities. However, it is generally a premium product and as such is not used as a matter of course. The organic nature of produce is recorded only if it is purchased specifically for a promotion of organic food and so no figures are available on the percentage of organic produce for sale in the House. By law, the Refreshment Department cannot discriminate in favour of or against the produce of any EU member state. It does not, therefore, maintain a record of the country of origin of the fruit and vegetables purchased for sale in Refreshment Department facilities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 423 c171W; 179923
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: House of Commons Food Procurement Organic food Refreshment Department
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk