§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister what steps he takes to ensure that the work of special advisers does not compromise the political neutrality of civil servants. [127095]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Code are clear that public resources must not be used for party political purposes and that the political impartiality of the Civil Service must be upheld.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set a maximum limit of two special advisers per department. [127094]
§ The Prime MinisterUnder the terms of the Ministerial Code, Cabinet Ministers may each appoint up to two special advisers. Where Ministers appoint two part-time special advisers this will normally be counted as one full-time equivalent. All appointments require my approval. Departures from the rule of two special advisers per Cabinet Minister are exceptional. These decisions are taken on the merits of the individual case.