Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress he has made in reducing the cost of stationery across all government departments; and if he will take steps to promote the use of the same paper from the same supplier to reduce those costs.

The Crown Commercial Service has put in place commercial arrangements that allow central government and the wider public service to secure the best value for money when purchasing office supplies, including stationery. The recently let CCS Crown Office Supplies framework (RM3723) is expected to save over £20m over two years.

The inclusion of more than one supplier on these frameworks allows purchasing authorities to choose the most appropriate products for their needs and maintains competitiveness in pricing.