Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 42
16 November 2022
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Twenty fourth report from Session 2022-23 · published 24 Feb 2023
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
6
Recommendation
Acknowledged
There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability...
Recommendation
There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability and capacity to manage the Programme effectively. The Weybridge site is nationally important in the UK’s defence against animal diseases. The Department confirmed that the …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and is reviewing capacity and capability requirements for the programme, using all available levers to secure expert resources including specialist allowances and via its supply chain.
HM Treasury
View Details
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (the Department), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and will conduct an assessment with an update on how animal diseases are reflected, and will also describe the advice received from the SAGE sub-group.
HM Treasury
View Details
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Chief Veterinary Officer and the APHA emphasised that the Weybridge site is also the...
Conclusion
The Chief Veterinary Officer and the APHA emphasised that the Weybridge site is also the centre for an important programme of research.19 There are currently seven research programmes at Weybridge. These programmes include the development of a Bovine Tuberculosis vaccine …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the effective action and science provided by APHA Weybridge, stating it acts as a strong mitigation controlling and reducing threats to the public and environment, with threats regularly reviewed.
HM Treasury
View Details
26
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Department said that its Programme Business Case clearly sets out the trade and economic...
Conclusion
The Department said that its Programme Business Case clearly sets out the trade and economic benefits of increasing the UK’s resilience to animal diseases. However, it highlighted that quantifying and putting values to these benefits is challenging as the relationship …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The department will continue work across the first tranche of the programme to refine its understanding of the costs and benefits, which will feed into the main investment decision for the redevelopment of the site, required in summer 2024.
HM Treasury
View Details
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the...
Conclusion
The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the market and sees a lack of supplier appetite to bid for the main construction contracts as a significant risk.65 It said that it has done …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The department will update the Committee in six months via Treasury Minute, by May 2023, the programme will have options around Science Hub form of contract and competition.
HM Treasury
View Details