§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures are in place to ensure that special advisers comply fully with the terms of the Civil Service code, their model contracts and the guidance on the work of the Government Information and Communication Service. [HL922]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe responsibility for ensuring that civil servants—including special advisers—comply with the terms and conditions of their employment rests with their employing department.
§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether special advisers are subject to the terms of paragraph 27 of the ministerial code; and, if so, 173WA whether they are satisfied that special advisers are complying adequately with it. [H L924]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonNo. The ministerial code is a code of conduct and guidance on procedures for Ministers. Decisions on the timing and content of announcements of government policy are taken by Ministers, not special advisers.
§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 8 February (WA 77) that "The total cost to date for staff at 10 Downing Street is £3.9 million", whether that figure includes the cost of special advisers within 10 Downing Street; and, if so, what proportion is attributable to the cost of special advisers; and [HL998]
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 8 February (WA 77) that "The total cost to date for staff at 10 Downing Street is £3.9 million", to what period the phrase "to date" refers. [HL999]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe cost of £3.9 million, of which £1.2 million is the cost of special advisers, covers the period 1 April to 31 December 1999.