HC Deb 14 December 1995 vol 268 cc815-6W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many political advisers worked for the Secretary of State for Scotland in(a) 1978, (b) 1987, (c) 1992 and (d) 1995; and what was the annual cost of these posts in each year. [6082]

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The number of special advisers employed by my Department in each of the years referred to is as follows:

  • 1978: None
  • 1987: 1
  • 1992: 2
  • 1995: 2

Salaries for special advisers are negotiated individually in relation to previous earnings, and arc confidential. They are, however, normally paid on a special advisers salary spine of 34 points ranging from £19,503 to £67,609. Appointments are non-pensionable, and the salary spine reflects this.