§ Lord SHINWELLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any special advisers who were employed by the Prime Minister in the previous Administration are retained by the present Prime Minister.
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Peart)My Lords, the three special advisers who were employed in the office of the previous Prime Minister are still working there full-time. In addition, former special advisers have been employed from time to time on a fee-paid basis.
§ Lord SHINWELLMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that recently Mr. Haines was asked in a broadcast whether any of his erstwhile colleagues were involved, and the reply was in the affirmative? He was asked for the names and he refused to give them—and quite properly. Can my noble friend say what is the special advice that these advisers give to the Prime Minister? Can it not be contributed by members of the Civil Service, who are reputed to be the finest civil servants in the world?
§ Lord PEARTMy Lords, my noble friend knows that there was an inquiry and a report—the Fulton Report—which recommended special advisers, and in this case they are the responsibility of the Prime Minister concerned.
§ Lord SHINWELLMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that, judging by results, it would be to our advantage to 906 get rid of the special advisers as soon as possible? After all, we can judge only by results, and look at what is happening. Can we not rely on the Civil Service and be done with it?
§ Lord PEARTMy Lords, I should point out to my noble friend, in relation to some of the people he has mentioned, that one of them was not a special adviser in any case; he was a temporary civil servant.