To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether any of his Department's special advisers have declared a conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement. (164159)

Special advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the model contract for special advisers. Copies of the model contract are available in the Libraries of the House. Neither of the Ministry of Justice's special advisers have declared any conflicts of interest to the Ministry since their appointment but they are aware of the need to declare any future conflicts that may arise in the course of their work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the office costs for his Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers. (164931)

The Ministry of Justice employs two special advisers. Details of their remuneration were published on 22 November 2007, Official Report, columns 148-50WS. They are supported by two full-time equivalent support staff. Given this small number of staff, providing cost information could identify an individual's salary, which is confidential between the individual and the employer. Office costs will be accounted for in the 2007-08 departmental annual report and accounts.