To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the special advisers employed in his Department since 6th May 1997; and what the (a) start and (b) end date of employment was in each case. (184371)

Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and numbers of special advisers in each pay band. For the most recent information I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 November 2007, Official Report, columns 147-50WS.

Information on the employment of special advisers prior to 2003 was provided at regular intervals and is available in the Library of the House.