To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport with reference to the answer of 8 November 2012, Official Report, columns 816-7W, on Broadband Delivery UK, what the total cost of external consultants employed by Broadband Delivery UK between 30 September 2012 and 30 June 2013 was; and what she anticipates this cost to be from (a) 1 July 2013 to 31 March 2014, (b) 2014-15, (c) 2015-16 and (d) 2016-17.

The total cost of external consultants (including interims) employed by Broadband Delivery UK between 30 September and 30 June was approximately £5.95 million. Further spend on consultants from July 2013 onwards will depend on the outcome of the review announced in the spending review which aims to give BDUK greater operational freedom and an enhanced delivery focus, and to equip it with the commercial skills that it needs.