Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which agencies and other public bodies accountable to him will not have published their annual report and accounts for 2017-2018 by 31 July 2018; and what the reasons are for each such body not having done so by that date.

As per the Government Resources and Accounts Act (2000), there is no legal requirement for agencies or other public bodies to publish their accounts before the January following year end.

The Sea Fish Industry Authority (SFIA) and the National Forest Company (NFC) will not have published their annual report and accounts by 31 July 2018.

The SFIA has historically presented its completed annual report and accounts after the summer recess. The Authority is working with the Core Department and the National Audit Office with a view to laying and publishing its annual report and accounts at an earlier stage in future years.

The NFC converted to a charity in April 2016. It was agreed between Defra and the National Audit Office that the 2017-18 annual report and accounts would be produced after recess, to ensure that the continuing impact of the transfer to charitable status on the business and the accounts are fully understood, and reflected appropriately in the group consolidated accounts.