HC Deb 02 May 2001 vol 367 cc696-7W
8. Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on employing special advisers during a general election. [159102]

12. Mr. Randall

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards employing special advisers. [159106]

15. Mr. Day

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards employing special advisers. [159110]

16. Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards employing special advisers. [159112]

Marjorie Mowlam

The rules are unchanged from the previous Administration. Special advisers who remain in post during the election period will continue to be governed by the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Guidance has also been issued to them on their activities during the election period. The Guidance that will be issued to all civil servants as soon as the election is announced will also apply.

9. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the salary bill for special advisers will be for the 2001–02 financial year assuming they all receive the maximum performance increments during this financial year. [159103]

Marjorie Mowlam

The estimated salary bill for special advisers for 2001–02 is £4.4 million.