HC Deb 09 December 1998 vol 322 cc222-3W
Mr. Robert Jackson

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the special advisers in his Department and the issues on which they specialise; and to what level they have been security cleared. [62844]

Mr. Kilfoyle

The Minister for the Cabinet Office has appointed two Special Advisers—Ms Anna Healy and Mr. Tim Walker—who provide advice on the full range of issues for which he is responsible. In addition, the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Mr. Keith Hellawell, and his Deputy, Mr. Michael Trace have been working in the Cabinet Office since July 1998 when the responsibility for co-ordination of anti-drugs activity was transferred from the President of the Council to my right hon. Friend.

My right hon. Friend, the Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Privy Seal and Minister for Women has two special advisers, paid for from the Cabinet Office vote. Ms Clare Cozens advises on legislative strategy and parliamentary procedure, and policy across government. Ms Jo Gibbons advises on the presentation and co-ordination of policies which fall within my right hon. Friend's area of responsibility.

My right hon. Friend, the Government Chief Whip has two special advisers paid for from the Cabinet Office vote. Ms Sue Jackson and Mr. Ian McKenzie provide advice on the full range of issues for which the Government Chief Whip is responsible.

The special advisers are subject to the usual security clearance arrangements.