In 1998-99 the Executive spent 578,000 on stationery, including recycled paper and desktop consumables, but the figure had risen to 882,000 last year. It is set to be even higher for 2001-02, reaching 835,000 with two months left in its financial year.

The Executive is paying 48% more for its post-consumer waste recycled paper than in 1999, a spokesman said.

"The current price paid per ream is broadly comparable to that obtained by other public sector customers," he added.

The Scottish Executives single paper supplier for stationery is Glenmore Business Papers, which is based in Rosyth, Fife, and is part of the Robert Horne Group.