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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.

Defra was responsible for the following reports as part of the Balance of Competences Review:

• Animal Health and Welfare and Food Safety (which was produced jointly with the Food Standards Agency);
• Environment and Climate Change (which was produced jointly with DECC);
• Agriculture; and
• Fisheries.

1) Staff costs

The cost of the Defra team which led on producing the four reports between 2012 and 2014 was approximately £500,000. The team drew on expert advice from staff across the Department. Providing a full breakdown of all staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

2) Printing costs

Defra paid approximately £13,000 to print and publish the four reports.

3) Running engagement events

Engagement events were held in Brussels, various locations in all parts of the UK, and at Defra’s London and York offices. The total cost of events, including refreshments and Defra staff travel, was approximately £4,000. To provide a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

4) Witness expenses

Defra did not incur any expenses for witnesses.

5) Publicity

Defra did not incur expenses for publicity of the reports.

6) All other associated costs

There were no other associated costs.