To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent by his Department on furniture made by (a) British firms, (b) Remploy and (c) overseas firms in each year since 2000. (244356)

For information on the country of origin of furniture products purchased by the Department, I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member on 18 December 2006, Official Report, column 1552W by the former Financial Secretary (Mr. Healey). A search of the Department’s accounting records failed to reveal any payments having been made to Remploy since 2002-03. Information on payments prior to that date could be provided only at disproportionate costs due to the introduction of a new accounting system.