§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) special advisers, (b) task force members and (c) review body members his Department employs; what is the total salary and benefits of (a) to (c); and what was the equivalent cost prior to 1 May. [19302]
§ Dr. StrangThere are six paid special advisers in DETR. Two of these are employed on a part time basis each working for half of the week. Prior to 1 May, there were four special advisers in the Department of the Environment and one in the Department of Transport. Special Advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.
DETR sponsors eight task forces and review panels. The members of these bodies are drawn from bodies including local authorities. The voluntary sector, industry, green bodies and academics. Some members are unpaid or are paid expenses only. Where members are paid their fees are negotiated individually and remain confidential. Information on the membership of task forces and review panels prior to 1 May is not held centrally.