---

Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by her Department come from a sustainable source. [110196] Mr. Foulkes: The Government, through the Green Ministers Committee of which I am a member, has issued a model framework which Departments have used as the basis for preparing their own environmental strategies. Among its key aims are the conversation of resources and minimisation of waste by reducing our reliance on virgin materials and ensuring that any products derived from wildlife--such as paper and timber--are from sustainable sources and comply with EU and international trading agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Our policy statement declares that, "We will seek to conserve energy and natural resources and reduce our production of waste, emissions to air and discharges to land and water". The Department for International Development monitors its performance on the above and other aspects of its operations with respect to green housekeeping and reports on progress made. As part of our continuing efforts to constantly improve our performance, an environmental management system is currently being implemented.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

110196; 344 c675-6W

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Department for International Development Environment protection Government departments Paper Sustainable development Timber Forest products Forest Stewardship Council