To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with reference to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban) of 1 May 2008, Official Report, column 624W, on departmental manpower, whether the figure of 189 staff on the No. 10 payroll includes the staff in the Downing Street Political Office. (242045)

No. As has been the practice under successive Governments, staffing and associated costs for the Political Office are met from party funds.