Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what estimate he has made of the number of new regulatory bodies which will be required once the UK leaves the EU; and what the role of each such body will be.

We are seeking a deep and special partnership with the European Union. Our relationship with the European Union's agencies and bodies upon exit will be evaluated on this basis.

Prior to any decisions on establishing new UK-level bodies, the Government will, however, always look to minimise disruption and costs, which will include considering alternative options. In most cases we anticipate that repatriated EU functions can be absorbed by departments and existing public bodies.

We will continue to plan for a range of scenarios and be ready to take any necessary steps to ensure that we are ready for exit day.