To ask the Prime Minister which political appointees have been given civil service administrative or secretarial support at public expense; and at what cost. [2859]

I refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave to the hon. Members for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) and Worthing, West (Mr. Bottomley) 2 June, Official Report, columns 97–99.In accordance with the practice of previous administrations, all Special Advisers, with the exception of those appointed to my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for International Development and the Lord Privy Seal, have been provided with Civil Service administrative and/or secretarial support. The estimated staff cost is £570,000. This will be met from within existing budgets.