§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he has to strengthen the guidelines in relation to the job descriptions of political advisers in relation to their contacts with political parties and their activists.
Mr. Robert G. HughesPolitical special advisers are bound generally by the rules on political activity applicable to other civil servants, with specific exemptions. They may, with the approval of their Minister, attend party functions and maintain contact with party members, and take part in policy reviews conducted by their party. In addition, and also subject to approval by their Minister, special advisers are allowed to involve themselves in local politics. I have no plans to change these arrangements.