§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many special advisers leaving the Government since May 1997 have made applications before taking employment elsewhere to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; and if he will make a statement. [14703]
§ Mr. LeslieSpecial advisers are subject to the Business Appointment Rules set out in the "Civil Service Management Code" and departmental staff handbooks. They are required to make an application to their employing Department for permission to take up outside234W appointments under the criteria set out in the rules. Departmental Permanent Secretaries, who may consult the Cabinet Office or the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, take the decisions on applications from special advisers. Applications from the most senior staff are referred to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments. Information on the number of applications made by special advisers to Permanent Secretaries is not held centrally.