§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Prime Minister what arrangements he plans to make for the appointment of special advisers following devolution for Scotland and Wales. [77193]
§ The Prime MinisterAn amendment has been made to the Civil Service Order in Council to allow for the appointment of a limited number of Special Advisers to Ministers in the Scottish Parliament and Assembly Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales. The amendment takes account of the new ministerial arrangements that will apply in Scotland and Wales following devolution, and sets out the terms and conditions under which they can be employed including an upper limit on the numbers that can be appointed. A copy of the amended Order has been placed in the Library of the House.