§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if it is standard practice for special advisers to co-ordinate work that costs the policies of opposition parties; and which sub-clauses of section (iv) of schedule 1 (Part 1) of the standard contract for special advisers set out the role of special advisers in costing the policies of opposition parties. [4401]
§ Mr. LeslieThe work of individual special advisers will vary from Department to Department according to the relevant Ministers' requirements. Section (iv) of Schedule 1 to Part 1 of the current model contract for special advisers describes the duties special advisers may be required to undertake. These include for example checking facts and research findings, such as information provided by officials costing policy options.