§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal how many approved research assistants are employed by hon. Members; how many are British; how many are foreigners; and how many receive payment from the Fees Office from hon. Members' secretarial allowances.
§ Mr. BiffenA total of 518 research assistants currently hold either temporary or full Palace of Westminster photo-identity passes. Of these, 408 are British nationals and 110 are foreigners. Eighty-one receive payment through the Fees Office from Members' allowances.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal how many hon. Members have more than two research assistants; and if he will list these Members in the Official Report, indicating the number of such assistants who are paid from the official sources on the instructions of hon. Members relating to the secretarial allowance.
§ Mr. BiffenI shall reply as soon as possible.