Political Advisers

HC Deb 04 November 1975 vol 899 cc205-6

6. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many political advisers she now has in her Department paid out of public funds.

Mrs. Castle

Currently, four people are employed as special advisers in my Department, of whom two work on a part-time basis.

Mr. Goodhew

My Question concerns political advisers. How many of these are erstwhile student agitators, like Mr. Jack Straw, and to what extent is the advice of these persons responsible for the right hon. Lady's damaging and dangerous confrontation with consultants and doctors in the hospital service?

Mrs. Castle

Of the four special advisers, one is a distinguished expert, a professor in social administration, Professor Abel Smith—

Mr. Goodhew

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The right hon. Lady must be allowed a chance to reply.

Mrs. Castle

—and two support him in his work. Mr. Straw is a barrister who was in practice at the Bar before he accepted his present post as special adviser. I have found his advice always excellent.

Mr. George Cunningham

Has my right hon. Friend noticed how rapidly erstwhile student agitators mature?

Mrs. Castle

Yes. I was one myself.