To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. (164935)

As part of their responsibilities, five staff currently provide support to the special advisers to the Chief Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and to the Council of Economic Advisers. They provide support of a non-political nature in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

Cost details are not disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned. Office costs will be accounted for in the 2007-08 departmental annual report and accounts.