§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure members of the House of Lords who(a) hold ministerial office and (b) are employed as special advisers agree to give evidence to select committees of the House. [49886]
§ The Prime MinisterAll civil servants, including special advisers, are accountable to Ministers for their decisions and actions. Ministers are accountable to Parliament. It is therefore for individual Ministers to decide who provides evidence on their behalf to select committees. These decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement about the rules which apply to the pursuit of outside interests by special advisers and the accountability thereof; [49885]
(2) if he will review the rules relating to the allowable financial interests of specialist advisers. [49274]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Model Contract for Special Advisers, which incorporates the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, sets out the terms and conditions of employment for special advisers. Special advisers are also covered by the requirements of their employing Department's Staff Handbook, which includes the handling of financial interests and outside employment.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if his policy permits the employment of special advisers who have non-domicile tax status. [49276]
§ The Prime MinisterThe employment restrictions on the recruitment of civil servants, including special advisers, are set out in the Civil Service Management Code.