To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Valuation Office Agency spent on hire cars in the last financial year for which figures are available. (176429)

The Valuation Office Agency spent a total of £637,028.80 (£542,666.69 excluding VAT) on hire cars in 2006-07.

Hire cars are used by the Agency as a cost effective alternative to paying a mileage rate for private car use on official business. The nature of VOA responsibilities necessitates considerable travelling to inspect and value properties.