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<p>The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chairman of the Services Committee,
to respond on his behalf.</p><p>House of Lords Catering and Retail Services (CRS)
is taking a pro-active approach to reducing the use of disposable cups within the
House’s catering facilities. The River Restaurant and Millbank House Restaurant both
provide disposable cups, and in both areas CRS runs an incentive scheme for customers
whereby the price of a hot beverage is reduced by 10p (broadly the price of a disposable
cup) if a customer brings their own cup. We also provide china cups in the River Restaurant
and Millbank House Restaurant and encourage customers to use these when they are dining
in, instead of using a disposable cup.</p><p>Regarding procurement, CRS is not aware
of a disposable cup for hot beverages that is fully bio-degradable, and until such
a product becomes available CRS will have to continue with its current supply. CRS
works closely with its suppliers to ensure it would become aware of any new appropriate
products should they emerge.</p><p>Through the procurement process, CRS objectives
include sourcing products that come from renewable sources (such as those supporting
sustainable forestry or low carbon processes). The disposable hot beverage cups currently
used are made from sustainable and recycled materials and are an insulated, double
walled cup. This reduces disposable consumption by negating the need for an additional
sleeve or the practice of customers doubling up cups if thinner, single walled cups
are provided.</p><p>CRS has recently received accreditation from the Sustainable Restaurant
Association, and looks forward to working alongside the Association to implement innovative
solutions for reducing the amount of total disposable products, including cups, that
are used across the House of Lords catering venues.</p>
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