To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was claimed in expenses for taxi travel by officials from (a) his Department and (b) its executive agencies in (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2005-06, (iii) 2004-05, (iv) 2003-04 and (v) 2002-03; and if he will make a statement. (227052)

Staff may use taxis where it is the most cost-effective and economical way of conducting business travel. Because of the way expense data are recorded, the Department is not able to identify expense claims for taxi travel without disproportionate cost.