To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on (a) new furnishings, (b) art and (c) new vehicles by her Department in each of the last three years.

The information is as follows:

(a) Figures for the purchase of furniture and fittings are available for 2005-06 (£4.767 million) and 2006-07 (£4.358 million).

(b) Art—I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend Mr. Byrne on 20 May 2008, Hansard, column 226W.

(c) My Department does not generally purchase vehicles as leasing provides a more cost-effective option. By sourcing through a Ministry of Justice contract leasing provides competitive costing arrangements while ensuring that the relatively small Home Office fleet is maintained to a high standard of serviceability to minimise carbon emissions and maximise economy.