17/04/07
Q: Norman Baker (Lib Dem, Lewes)
A: Ivan Lewis (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health)
17 April 07
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many litres of bottled water her Department purchased, and at what cost, in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement on her Department's provision of water for staff and visitors.
Ivan Lewis[holding answer 23 March 2007]: No detailed records of all bottled water purchases are maintained by the Department.
Bottled water for the London Administrative estate for hospitality purposes is provided by the Departments catering contractor. There is no record of purchase made for 2004.
In 2005, 45,738 litres were purchased at a cost of £89,189.10.
In 2006, 52,861 litres were purchased at a cost of £103,078.95.
The Department jointly occupies a building in Leeds for which the Department of Work and Pensions provides the hospitality service. Their contractor is unable to provide the information required.
Within this building the Department does provide water coolers in their appointed tea points. The only record of costs is for 2006 where the purchase was for; 1,240 x 11 litre bottles at a cost of £6,997.62 (including servicing), 34 x 18 litre bottles at a cost of £303.43 (including servicing).
