§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total cost was of employing special advisers in his Department from 1997 to date. [160043]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 1 May 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 1 May 2001, Official Report, columns 607–08W.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many special advisers worked in his Department from 1997 to date. [160023]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 1 May 2001]: Since 3 May 1997, no more than two paid special advisers have been in post at any one time, except for a three month period between May and July 1998 when a third special adviser was appointed to assist the then President of the Board of Trade. In addition, Lord Hollick acted as unpaid special adviser from May 1997 to October 1998.