§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the name, (b) the salary, (c) the previous occupation and salary and (d) the terms and conditions of each political and special adviser in his Department; and what was the selection process used to appoint these persons. [2424]
§ Mr. George RobertsonI have appointed Mr. Alasdair McGowan, who was my research assistant, as a Special Adviser.
The terms and conditions of each appointment are set out in the draft model contract, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.
Special Advisers are paid within a range of £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential within this range. Details of this and of previous salary are not provided to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.
This is a personal appointment which I made following consultation with the Permanent Head of the Department and the Prime Minister.