§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) special advisers and (b) press or public relations officers are employed by her Department; and what is the total annual salary bill for (a) and (b) above.[5291]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe Department employs two special advisers and 18 press officers. The salaries for special advisers are negotiated individually, in relation to their previous earnings and are confidential. They are, however, normally paid on a special advisers' salary spine of 34 points ranging from £19,503–£67,609. Appointments are non-pensionable and the salary spine reflects this. The annual salary bill for the press officers is some £532,000.