To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many security passes her Department has issued to contractors providing consultancy services in the last 12 months. (303953)

The Cabinet Office takes great care regarding access to its buildings and its access control policies are in line with the HMG Security Policy Framework, Mandatory Requirements 56, 57 and 58

The Department issues security passes to all those who are visiting and have business on its estate. Non-staff employed by the Department (including temporary staff, short-term work placements, contractors and consultants) may be issued with either a temporary pass, an escorted visitor pass or an unescorted visitor pass, depending on the length of time they are working for the Department and their level of security clearance.

Separately identifying those who may be visiting the Department to provide consultancy services from those who are visiting for other reasons could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.