§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of the new desk ordered for his use; and for what reasons no existing desks within his Department were suitable. [34992]
Dr. John Cunningham[holding answer 17 March 1998]: The cost was £4,085 plus VAT. Until my removal to new accommodation, I had been using a desk left behind by a retired official. This would not have been suitable for the new location and will remain in Whitehall Place for further use in that building. No other spare desks were available which would have met the need. On grounds of economy, we do not hold significant stocks of unused furniture.