Politicians' flower bills bloom

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A bill for flowers in Finance Minister Bill English's office has not come up smelling of roses.

The New Zealand Herald reported today the bill was $4051 over the first 11 months of the new government.

The figure was about twice what his ministerial colleagues spent and second only to the Prime Minister, who spent $5503.

It was also double the $1928 spent on flowers by Mr English's predecessor Michael Cullen over the same period in 2008.

Overall ministers spent $52,000 on flowers. Over the same period in 2008 Labour ministers spent $45,733.

Labour MP Chris Hipkins obtained the figures and said Mr English should lead by example in tight financial times.

A spokesman for Mr English said he was unaware how much was being spent on flowers and the number and frequency of flower displays would be reduced.

National has made some savings by dropping fruit baskets in ministerial offices.

- NZPA