To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with reference to the answer of 11 November 2008, Official Report, column 1131W, and to the written ministerial statement of 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 99-102WS, on special advisers, whether the aggregate cost of special advisers in the statement includes the cost of (a) National Insurance contributions for employers, (b) employee pension contributions and (c) expenses. (241770)

National insurance employer contributions incurred on behalf of special advisers and expenses are not included in the pay bill costs provided by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 99-102WS.

Employee pension contributions form part of salary and are included in the costs provided by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 99-102WS.