The government has defended its record on procurement of legal and sustainable timber in response to a question from Barry Gardiner MP in the House of Commons.
Elliot Morley, secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA), said DEFRA used a model contract specificiation clause which it devised on behalf of all central government departments. The clause stipulates that contractors must provide documentary evidence to prove compliance.
Mr Morley said agencies such as the Centre for Science Laboratory and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science had been made aware of the government’s timber procurement policy and had systems in place to ensure observance.
The Countryside Agency has confirmed adoption of the policy for all construction and fitting-out contracts, with a “sustainable sources only” clause included within its tender/contract specification document. English Nature is also seeking to ensure compliance
