§ 10. Norman Baker (Lewes)If he will make a statement on the accountability of special advisers. [30896]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr. Christopher Leslie)As with all civil servants, special advisers are accountable to Ministers. Ministers are accountable to Parliament.
§ Norman BakerThat system would work if Ministers answered questions about special advisers. As well as continually blocking questions and refusing information, they do not even stick to the code of conduct introduced by the former right hon. Member for Huntingdon, Mr. Major. That system does not work. Why will the hon. Gentleman not answer questions and ensure that the special advisers are accountable to this House?
§ Mr. LeslieWe went through all this nonsense yesterday in Westminster Hall, where the hon. Gentleman was pulled up by the Deputy Speaker for his intemperate language. I really think he needs to get a grip.