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Special Advisers

Volume 455: debated on Tuesday 9 January 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidance he has issued to his special advisers concerning alterations to their duties during the campaign for the deputy leadership of the Labour party. (108495)

Special advisers act in accordance with the requirements of the code of conduct for special advisers. This makes clear that special advisers may assist with a leadership or deputy leadership campaign, but it must be in their own time. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary has issued guidance to Departments on conduct in the run-up to such elections. A copy has been placed in the Library for the reference of Members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to alter the (a) salaries of, (b) number of support staff available to and (c) office space provided to his special advisers in the next 12 months. (108496)

There are no plans to alter the accommodation or support structure for special advisers. Salaries of support staff are not a matter for Ministers.