Philip Hammond has attacked Labour for misusing public funds after it was revealed Government departments have spent over £50 million on new office furnishings and pot plants since 2005.
The highest spending departments were the Department of Work and Pensions, which spent £24 million, and the Department for Transport, which spent £17.5 million.
Answers to Parliamentary questions also revealed that, despite the economic crisis, the amount the Government spent on pot plants increased by 20% in 2007-08.
Philip, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, described the figures as “an insult to families and businesses who are struggling to make ends meet” and “yet more evidence of Gordon Brown’s cavalier disregard for public funds.”
And he stressed, “At a time when hard-pressed taxpayers are being forced to tighten their belts, people will be shocked that Government departments are spending millions every year on office furniture and pot plants.”