§ Lord Newbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many special advisers paid at the level of Civil Service grade 3 or above have left the employment of the Government since May 1997. [HL703]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)It is not possible to draw direct comparisons between the salaries of former grades of the Senior Civil Service and those of special advisers.
However, since May 1997, 14 special advisers who were earning more than £60,000 have left the Government's employment.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the limits they consider appropriate upon the total number of appointments of special advisers to Ministers and upon the total number of special advisers to the Prime Minister. [HL801]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonParagraph 50 of the Ministerial Code makes clear that, with the exception of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers may each appoint up to two special advisers. The Prime Minister approves all appointments including exceptions to the rule of two special advisers per Cabinet Minister and the appointment of special advisers to Ministers who regularly attend Cabinet.