§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the combined cost of employing special advisers in his Department from 1997 to date. [160053]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 1 May 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave him on 1 May 2001, Official Report, column 607W.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many special advisers worked in his Department from 1997 to date. [160054]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 1 May 2001]: During the period in question a total of four individuals have worked as special advisers in this Department, but no more than two have been employed at any time.