HC Deb 17 April 2002 vol 383 cc961-2W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many special advisers were employed by her(a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive; and what the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department was for each of those years. [41259]

Estelle Morris

From May 1997 to June 2001, up to three full-time equivalent special advisers have been in post at any one time; from September 2001 this dropped to two.

In relation to special adviser costs I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 11W.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the number and expected cost to her Department of special advisers in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [43266]

Estelle Morris

My Department has two special advisers in post as at 13 March 2002.

In relation to special adviser costs I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 11W.