Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether his Department has awarded any contracts to private companies to assist in the process of the UK leaving the EU.

The Department for Exiting the European Union has used the services of a number of consulting firms to help with departmental set-up and planning. A small number of individuals are currently on secondment from consultancy firms and external organisations. Going forward, the Department will make further use of external support and recruitment as appropriate to ensure it has the right expertise to deliver its objectives.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 1 December 2016 to the Question 55210 and 55211.