HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc494-5W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to her answer of 25 January 2001,Official Report, column 763W, on Special Advisers, which clauses of Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the "Model Contract for Special Advisers" set out the role of Special Advisers in costing the policies of opposition parties. [148844]

Marjorie Mowlam

The "Model Contract for Special Advisers" makes it clear that Special Advisers can discharge their duties with a degree of party political commitment and association which would not be possible for a permanent civil servant.

Section (iv) of Schedule 1 (Part 1) sets out the duties of Special Advisers which include devilling for the Minister and checking facts and research findings, and adding party political content to material prepared by permanent civil servants.