Officials have defended the spending of more than £44,000 on taxis by two Devon prisons in a year.

New figures show Exeter Prison spent £32,747 on taxis between 2005 and 2006. Channings Wood spent £11,554, of which £4,698 was for transporting inmates.

The Western Morning News obtained the figures under the Freedom of Information Act.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said taxis were used when it was the most cost-effective method of transport.

She said: "Taxi services are only used in the event that a Prison Service vehicle and driver are unavailable due to other commitments or where resources are used to capacity and there are no alternative options available." 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/6921100.stm