HC Deb 27 February 2003 vol 400 c725W
Mr. Laws

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) special advisers and (b) press officers have been employed by his Department in each year from 1994–95 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [92423] Mr. Leslie: In relation to special advisers, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South on 31 January 2003, Official Report, column 1056W.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was created on 29 May 2002. On 1 January 2003, the Office employed 23 full-time equivalent press officers.