Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what (a) facilities and (b) other support his Department provides for (i) visitors and (ii) staff for (A) lactating mothers and (B) the expressing of breast milk.

The Department for International Trade provides quiet spaces for lactating mothers in its London estates appropriate for both visitors and staff.

International Trade & Investment and Trade Policy Group are located in 1 Victoria Street. The building has one first aid room equipped with seats, a bed, antibacterial wipes and a refrigerator. This room is kept locked when not in use and is accessible to lactating mothers and those who need to express their milk.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is located in the Treasury building at 1 Horse Guards Road. The Treasury building has one first aid room and two recovery rooms which can be used by staff members and visitors who are lactating mothers and those who need to express their milk. The rooms are private, kept locked when not in use and are equipped with refrigerators where the mothers can safely store their breast milk. The rooms have antibacterial wipes, paper towels, comfortable seats and a bed if needed to rest. The rooms are heated but are also provided with electric cooling fans should they be required.

Breast feeding mothers are given time to express their milk whilst at work and the Department for International Trade provides risk assessment for expectant mothers to ensure their health and safety whilst at work.

With regards to the Department’s offices in King Charles Street, I refer the hon Member to the answer given by my Rt hon Friend the Minister of State for Europe and the Americas on 29 November, UIN 54375.