§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Prime Minister which special advisers have the authority to give directions to civil servants. [28355]
§ The Prime MinisterAlastair Campbell and Jonathan Powell.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister what the average time is that the Head of his Department has recommended since May 1997 between a special adviser leaving his Department and taking up outside employment; and if he will make a statement. [28908]
§ The Prime MinisterAll special advisers are covered by the Business Appointment rules which are set out in full in the Civil Service Management Code. Each case is considered on its own individual merit, and an average of the outcomes would therefore be meaningless and potentially misleading. Individual applications submitted to the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for advice are reported on in the committee's annual report.