To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on (a) taxis, (b) potted plants, (c) works of art and (d) redecoration in the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available. (240381)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 6 October 2008, Official Report, column 12W, to the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) with regards the Scotland Office spend on (a) taxis. The Office has incurred no costs on (b) potted plants or (c) works of art in 2007-08. The cost of (d) redecoration of its buildings in Edinburgh and London was £39,102. Under the terms of the building leases the Office is required to maintain the buildings to an acceptable standard of decoration and repair.