To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civil servants in his Department were recruited through the fast stream; and what the average salary of those officials is. (229180)

The specific number of civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence who were recruited through the Fast Stream whether into the Ministry of Defence directly, or via other Departments, is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. As at 21 October 2008 there were 131 civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence on the Fast Stream scheme. Those who joined the Department on the current pay deal will earn between a minimum of £22,960 and a maximum of £40,515 per year while on the scheme.