§ 24. Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will list the duties of her political advisers, paid out of public funds.
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§ Mrs. CastleProfessor Abel-Smith advises over the whole range of my departmental interests, attends meetings held by Ministers as necessary and is otherwise consulted by them. He is assisted by Mr. Alltimes. Mr. Lynes advises on social security questions and attends appropriate meetings held by Ministers. Mr. Straws duties include advising on certain aspects of departmental policy; helping in my non-departmental ministerial duties; assisting with briefing papers, speech writing and correspondence; and acting as a link between Ministers and opinion in the Labour movement.
Special advisers are outside the departmental hierarchy and have direct access to me. In general they may take part in departmental deliberations on matters which it is clear will be submitted in due course to Ministers.