HC Deb 18 October 2001 vol 372 cc1282-3W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many(a) special advisers and (b) press officers were employed (i) full-time, (ii) part-time and (iii) on a contract basis by her Department in each year since 1992. [6929]

Hilary Benn

At any one time since 1997, two special advisers have been employed full-time. None were employed before that date, or on a part-time or contract basis since then.

Four full-time press officers have been employed since 1996. We do not have records which enable us to provide accurate information before that time.