To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has been spent by her Department on (a) pot plants since 1 March 2008 and (b) flowers in each of the last three years. (254873)

A low level of internal planting within the CLG HQ buildings is maintained under our integrated facilities management contract. The cost of this is included within the fixed contract price for cleaning, grounds maintenance and pest control and is not separately identifiable.

Since 1 March 2008 additional new plants have been provided at a cost of £725.25.

It is not departmental practice to provide cut flowers for office use and so expenditure on this is nil.