Written question asked by Matt Hancock (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 September 2010. It was answered by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Monday, 6 September 2010 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Taxis

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on taxi fares in each year since 1997.

Answer: Comparable figures for the Department as it is now configured are not available following the completion of devolution on 12 April 2010.From 12 April 2010 to 31 July 2010, the Department has spent £3,587 on taxi fares.These figures exclude taxi fares paid by employees and reimbursed as miscellaneous expenses. These costs can be provided only at disproportionate cost.The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) keeps the cost of travel on official business under regular review. Departmental guidance requires all staff to use the most efficient means of transport.

Secondary information