§ Mr. TyrieTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 24 June 1999,Official Report, column 456, what the total cost was of pension contributions paid by the Government (a) to Special Advisers and (b) into the pension schemes of Special Advisers during the periods (i) 1 May 1997 to 30 April 1998 and (ii) 1 May 1998 to 30 April 1999. [90318]
174W
§ Mr. KilfoyleThe information, shown by financial years rather than the precise periods asked for, is as follows
(a) None. Pension contributions are paid direct into the individual Special Advisers' pension schemes.(b)(i) £290,000 was paid into the pension schemes of Special Advisers in the eleven month period 1 May 1997 to 30 March 1998;(ii) £413,000 was paid into the pension schemes of Special Advisers in the year 1 April 1998 to 30 March 1999.In addition, National Insurance contributions are paid at the contracted-in rates.