§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the special advisers in his Department, the Minister to whom each is responsible, the subjects on which they advise and the number of advisers in his Department in the year up to 1 May. [5350]
§ Mr. George RobertsonMr. Alasdair McGowan is already working as my Special Adviser. I have also invited Mr. Bernard Gray to become my Special Adviser and he will take up his appointment next month. Special Advisers are employed under terms and conditions based on the model contract for Special Advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Mr. McGowan provides me with advice on any matter which I decide to refer to him in accordance with Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the model contract. He is also free to raise matters with me. Mr. Gray's appointment will be on the same basis.
In the year up to 1 May 1997, my predecessor employed one Special Adviser.