§ Lord Roberts of Conwyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many special advisers they employ; at what annual cost; and to whom they are accountable. [HL4122]
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)At 19 October, there were 65 Special Advisers in post. In addition, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Mr Blunkett) has appointed Professor Michael Barber as the Standards and Effectiveness Adviser. The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mrs Mowlam) has appointed Mr Keith Hellawell as the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator and Mr Michael Trace as his Deputy. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Brown) has appointed Mr Chris Wales, Mr Paul Gregg and Ms Shinti Vadera as members of the Council of Economic Advisers. All are employed on Special Adviser terms. The estimated paybill for Special Advisers in 1999/2000 is £3.9 million. All civil servants, including Special Advisers, are accountable to Ministers.