§ 8. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)If he will list the special advisers he has appointed. [61566]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Alun Michael)The Prime Minister has approved the appointment as special advisers of Mr. Gareth Williams, who has extensive experience in government at European and local level, and Ms Julie Crowley, who, I must make it clear, has been appointed for her communication skills, although she is also a fanatical supporter of Neath rugby club.
§ Mr. SwayneWhat advice will the right hon. Gentleman receive from those individuals? Would they 312 have been able to advise him on the wisdom of seeking election to the House in one constituency and to the Welsh Assembly in a different one?
§ Mr. MichaelI am glad to say that both appointees are working on policy issues. They are working to deliver the Labour Government's election promises in Wales: to improve health, to create jobs, to increase opportunity, to improve education standards and to create safer communities. If the hon. Gentleman were interested in such issues, he would have asked about them, rather than simply trying to score points.