HC Deb 08 May 2001 vol 368 cc115-6W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many special advisers worked in his Department from 1997 to date. [160024]

Ms Quin

[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, column 607W.

Mr. Evans

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the total cost was of employing special advisers in his Department from 1997 to date. [160042]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 1 May 2001]: Since 3 May 1997, a total of five special advisers have worked in the Ministry, two when my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) was Minister of Agriculture, and three since my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East and Wallsend (Mr. Brown) has been Minister. No more than two special advisers have been in post at any one time.