To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what environmental criteria the Central Office of Information uses in selecting companies for placing on to its roster of communications and public relations companies; whether carbon impacts are considered; and if she will make a statement. (115449)

The majority of the Central Office of Information's (COI) framework agreements were renewed in 2005 and there were no specific environmental criteria applied to the selection process, nor were carbon impacts considered.

When the remaining frameworks become due for renewal COI will include sustainability factors, where established and relevant, in its extensive evaluation criteria.

In its provision of services, COI does consider sustainability issues with its departmental clients, although the final decision on such issues rests with clients.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps the Central Office of Information is taking to encourage companies on its roster to take steps towards becoming carbon neutral; and if she will make a statement. (115450)

When the Central Office of Information's (COI) frameworks become due for renewal it will include sustainability factors, where established and relevant, in its extensive evaluation criteria.

In its provision of services, COI does consider sustainability issues with its departmental clients, although the final decision on such issues rests with clients.

COI has representation on the major communications industry bodies (including the ISBA, the body representing advertisers, the IPA, representing advertising agencies and the DMA, representing direct marketers) and uses its position on those bodies to highlight sustainability issues across the industry as a whole.