Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria he used in choosing Professor Hoskins as his adviser on environmental matters; for how long the appointment is; and what payments will be made to Professor Hoskins for his assistance.
§ Mr. AtkinsProfessor Hoskins is professor of meteorology at Reading university and is a leading authority on global warming, climatic change and related matters. As such he appeared to my right hon. Friend to be a suitable person to advise him on the implications of these issues for transport policy.
Professor Hoskins is a part-time special adviser and does not have a fixed-term appointment. As is the normal 235W practice with special advisers his remuneration is determined by reference to his current level of earnings and is therefore confidential.