Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much money his Department has spent this calendar year on (a) analysis and (b) consideration of the retention or otherwise of the Government’s stake in RBS.

HM Treasury itself has not spent any money on external advice for analysis and consideration of the retention or otherwise of the Government’s stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). HM Treasury retains a team to advise on policy for state-owned financial assets, but does not itemise the costs.

The Government’s shareholding in RBS is managed at arm's length and on a commercial basis through UK Government Investments Ltd (UKGI), a company which is wholly owned by the Government

UKGI reports its total expenditure for each financial year to 31 March, and its 2017-18 Annual Report and Accounts will be published imminently. HM Treasury maintains oversight of UKGI’s spending and is ultimately accountable, however UKGI’s specific expenditure on RBS-related work for the period in question is not itemised.