Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to oral contribution of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee meeting on 4 June what the selection process will be for the appointment of the delivery expert; and when that appointment will be announced.

The Treasury will conduct a zero-based review of capital at the next Spending Review. It will include an assessment panel of Chief Economists from across government departments, who will provide technical assistance and expertise to Treasury officials scrutinising capital spending bids. These top economists will bring significant experience and expertise in appraising investment in many different sectors, covering economic and social infrastructure. The panel will also draw on the IPA, and functional expertise built up since 2015.

The assessment panel will be formed ahead of the Spending Review.