To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2008, Official Report, columns 1452-53W, on annual leave, on what basis the leave arrangements for staff appointed to the Senior Commons Service were set; and whether there is any independent oversight of such leave arrangements. (220004)

The leave arrangements for the Senior Commons Service have been in place for some years, and are intended to make the House of Commons jobs attractive to direct recruits at senior levels. There are, however, restrictions. For example, most SCS staff may take annual leave only when the House is not sitting, and cannot carry forward unused leave from one year to another. Oversight of the terms of employment of all staff (including SCS) rests with the Management Board and the House of Commons Commission.