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Department for Business and Trade: Westminster Hall Sittings

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 16 July 2026UIN 17483

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an estimate of the annual cost to his Department of preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates.

Answered by Blair McDougall

It is not possible to provide an exact cost for preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the costs of Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.

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