Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will consult hon. Members with business experience on a cross-party basis in the spending review.

Phase 2 of the Spending Review will maximise the use of independent scrutiny and external experience. External experts will support departments to review and scrutinise budgets, bringing ideas, expertise and innovation of the private sector into the heart of government.

This will also include greater use of departmental non-executive directors – many of whom have extensive experience of business and industry – in the process.

The Treasury has published an external representation portal, where both businesses and members of the wider public can put forward policy proposals, including proposals for delivering public services more efficiently or effectively.