§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether special advisers are empowered to perform executive functions on behalf of Ministers of the Crown; if so, what is the source of such powers; and what are the executive functions. [HL5152]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonSpecial advisers are appointed under Article 3(2) of the Civil Service Order in Council, for the purposes of providing advice to any Minister. Article 3(3) of the Order in Council removes the advice restriction for up to three posts in the Prime Minister's office thereby conferring executive powers on them. Only one post in the Prime Minister's office currently has executive powers under the Order in Council.