§ Mr. ForthTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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. [2415]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 6 June 1997]: I have two Special Advisers, Mr. Julian Eccles and Mr. John Newbigin. Mr. Eccles was previously employed as an Associate Director with the Public Affairs Division of Hill and Knowlton. Mr. Newbigin, who works three and a half days a week for me, continues to work for Enigma Productions for one day and a half.
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 previous salary are not provided in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.
These are personal appointments made by me following consultation with the Permanent Secretary of my Department and the Prime Minister.