Asked by: Thelma Walker (Labour - Colne Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to reduce its use of single-use plastics.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
In the 25 Year Environment plan (published on 11 January 2018 and available on Gov.uk) the Government outlined a range of measures on how we will reduce the amount of plastic in circulation through reducing demand for single-use plastic. This included a commitment to removing all consumer single use plastics from the central Government estate offices. Like all Departments we will work to reduce and, where practicable, eliminate the use of single use plastics. We are currently undertaking a review of what single-use plastics the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces use and are working with industry and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to take this initiative forward.
Asked by: Thelma Walker (Labour - Colne Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has assessed the potential merits of donating used service personnel clothing to homelessness charities.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) gifting policy does not normally permit the donation of surplus assets.
The MOD receives many requests from individuals, charitable and other worthy organisations for the donation of surplus assets, but must ensure an even-handed approach is taken. It would be unfair to support one individual or organisation while refusing requests from others. Gifting to charities, voluntary groups, individuals or companies is therefore only considered by exception.