§ Mr. Gowasked the Minister for the Civil Service which Ministers in Her Majesty's Government have political advisers paid for out of public funds; what is the total number of such political advisers; and what is the total annual cost of their salaries at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe estimated annual cost of the salaries of the 29 special advisers to Ministers at present being paid for out of public funds is £205,000. The Ministers concerned are:
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- The Prime Minister.
- The Lord President of the Council.
- The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
- The Secretary of State for the Home Department.
- Chancellor of the Exchequer.
- Secretary of State for Education and Science.
- Secretary of State for the Environment.
- Secretary of State for Energy.
- Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Affairs.
- Secretary of State for Social Services.
- Secretary of State for Trade.
- Secretary of State for Wales.
- Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe administrative class of the Home Civil Service no longer exists, having been amalgamated at the start of 1971 with the former executive and clerical classes to form the Administration Group; at the same time the present wider based intake of administration trainees took the place of the former intake of assistant principals. It is difficult, therefore, to make proper comparison for the past 12 years. However the table below sets out the available information which is based on data collected from candidates' applications. I regret that comparable information is not available for the years 1972–74.