To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many members of staff in his Department and its agencies were dismissed (a) for under-performance and (b) in total in each of the last 10 years. (274303)

The table details the number of staff in DEFRA and its agencies that were dismissed (a) for underperformance and (b) in total in each of the last eight financial years. DEFRA was created in June 2001 and therefore data is only available from this date. Included in the data are only DEFRA’s Executive Agencies and not Non-Departmental Public Bodies as sourcing this information would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

DEFRA and its agencies improving performance policies and procedures are in line with the Civil Service Management Code. All staff have access to these policies and procedures via the DEFRA intranet.