To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of food served in buildings occupied by her Department was of British origin in (a) 2005 and (b) 2006. (111123)

The legal framework governing public procurement is designed to ensure that it is fair, transparent and not used to discriminate by setting up barriers to free trade. This means that DCMS cannot restrict its purchases to specific locations or suppliers.

However, DCMS is working in partnership with our outsourced catering provider to increase tendering opportunities for small and local food producers. As a result, the proportion of food served in our buildings that was of British origin increased from 44 per cent. in 2005 to 52 per cent. in 2006.