§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what dates Special Advisers from her Department have travelled abroad on official business since 2 May 1997; which countries were visited on each occasion; and what were the names of the Special Advisers who travelled on each occasion. [88437]
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§ Clare Short[holding answer 30 June 1999]For the period 2 May 1997 to 5 July 1999, Special Advisers in my Department have travelled overseas in an official capacity on 16 occasions to a variety of locations. The total cost of travel and accommodation was £33,285.00. All travel complied with the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by her special advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89979]
§ Clare ShortSpecial Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.