Special Advisers

HC Deb 01 March 1977 vol 927 cc123-5W

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for the Civil Service why, in view of the fact that every Minister, Member of Parliament, civil servant and other public servant has his salary and allowances Vol. 926, c. 308–10], gave the following information:

The details requested are as follows: published, he refuses to publish the salary and allowances of the 25 special advisers who are all paid from public funds and are civil servants on limited period appointments; and whether he will change this practice forthwith.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

The salaries of special advisers are determined on a case by case basis and regard is inevitably given in each case to the level of previous salary. The practice of successive Administrations has, therefore, been not to disclose individual salaries. There are no grounds at the present time for changing this practice.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what are the ages of the special advisers; and how many have now received salaries in a band from £6,000 to £7,500 a year; and how many receive salaries in excess of £7,500.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

The ages of the special advisers now in post are as follows:

No. 10 Downing Street: Dr. B. Donoughue, 42; Mr. T. McNally, 34; Mr. J. C. Corr, 28; Mr. G. Davies, 26; Mrs. M. Hartley-Brewer, 28.

Cabinet Office: Mr. G. R. J. Richardson, 36.

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: Mrs. A. Carlton, 33.

Department of Education and Science: Mrs. S. Greenall, 50; Mr. J. Lyttle, 44.

Department of Energy: Dr. F. Cripps, 33^*; Mrs. F. Morrell, 38.

Department of the Environment: Mr. J. W. Straw, 30.

Department of Transport: Mr. R. Liddle, 29.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Mr. M. Stewart, 43^*; Mr. D. Lipsey, 28.

Department of Health and Social Security: Professor B. Abel-Smith, 50^*; Mr. A. Lynes, 47^*; Mr. M. Hartley-Brewer, 29; Professor D. Townsend, 33; Professor D. Metcalf, 34.

Home Office: Mr. R. Darlington, 28.

Department of Prices and Consumer Protection: Professor M. Peston, 45; Mr. D. Hill, 29.

Welsh Office: Mr G. Prys Davies, 53.

Privy Council Office: Mrs. E. Thomas, 57. (^* Denotes a part-time appointment.)

There are currently nine special advisers receiving salaries in the band £6,000 to £7,500 a year and nine special advisers receiving salaries about £7,500 a year.