asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many political advisers are attached to Civil Service Departments; which Departments are concerned; and in making appointments to what degree regard is paid to their competence and skill as well as political orientation.

There are 25 special advisers, serving in the following Departments:

• No. 10 Downing Street
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• Department of Education and Science
• Department of Energy
• Department of the Environment
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department of Health and Social Security
• Ministry of Overseas Development
• Department of Prices and Consumer Protection
• Privy Council Office
• Department of Transport
• Treasury
• Welsh Office

Special advisers are personal appointments made by individual Ministers, with the approval of the Prime Minister. Each Minister will have regard to the qualities offered by a prospective appointee in relation to the duties he requires him to perform.