To ask the Prime Minister how many political advisers or their political appointees have been appointed since 1 May, who are not paid from public funds; if he will name them and their departments; if each such appointment has been approved by him; by whom they are paid; whether they are in all other respects subject to the same rules of employment as political advisers paid from public funds; and if he will list the precedents for such appointments. [2838]

[holding answer 10 June 1997]: The appointment of unpaid political advisers is subject to the same rules as were followed by the previous Administration. Unpaid advisers are personal appointments by the Minister concerned and carry no remuneration or reimbursement from public funds. They are not civil servants and are not subject to the same rules of employment as special advisers paid for from public funds. In making an appointment, Ministers and unpaid advisers must ensure that there is no conflict between the issues on which the unpaid adviser will be advising and their private concerns; unpaid advisers are also subject to the normal rules of confidentiality. I am notified before these appointments are made.In addition to the political office in No. 10 Downing street, the following appointments have been made: