§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister what were the reasons for the increase in the number of Government special advisers from 53 in June 1997 to 79 in June 2000. [136564]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 6 November 2000]The Government believe that experience over the last quarter of a century has shown that special advisers have a useful role to play. It also made no secret of its 627W intention to strengthen the centre of Government. The reason for the lower number in June 1997 is that a number of appointments had yet to be made.