Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to increase or reduce the present number of special advisers. [HL3698]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe Government are committed to legislation for the Civil Service and to including in the legislation an overall limit on the number of special advisers. The Government are also committed to consultation in advance of legislation. In the meantime, the appointment of special advisers will continue to be regulated by theCivil Service Order in Council and the Ministerial Code.
§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to introduce a code of conduct for unpaid special advisers. [HL3764]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonNo. Unpaid advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in paragraph 51 of theMinisterial Code.