asked the Chairman of Committees:

What proposals he has to reduce, for environmental purposes, the amount of paper used in the House of Lords. [HL28]

The House of Lords has pursued technological solutions to reduce paper and benefit from the speed, cost-efficiency and ease of electronic media. All House of Lords papers published by The Stationery Office are available in electronic form on the day of publication. Initiatives such as the distribution of notices by electronic mail, digital audio recording in the Chamber and in Committee Rooms, and a preference where possible for electronic distribution of documents, combine to present substantial savings and efficiency. Members and staff can also access committee information through the internet.

The House purchases paper selected on the basis of value for money and reliability of service. Paper supplied to photocopiers and printers is 100 per cent recyclable. All waste paper from the parliamentary estate can be recycled by means of the recycling bins provided in every office.