Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what guidance the House has issued to encourage the procurement of British-made (a) office products and (b) stationery by (i) Members and (ii) their staff.

Under current legislation and guidance, specifying the origin of goods or services is only permitted if it is necessary to do so in order for the requirements to be understood. The legislation expressly provides that any requirement specifying the origin must allow for equivalents where these exist. In respect of Members and their Staff it is a decision for each individual Member and their office to determine how they use their budget to purchase office products and stationery in accordance with IPSA guidelines.