§ Norman BakerTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many officials, and of what grade, are allocated to the Official Opposition; how they were selected; where they are based; and what the total cost is. [161819]
§ Mr. AlexanderFour civil servants—one HEO equivalent, one EO and two administrative officers—are allocated to the Official Opposition Whips Office in the House of Commons. All were appointed following Cabinet Office recruitment and selection procedures. The total cost in the current financial year will be approximately £128,000.