To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department (a) spent on salaries for (i) special advisers and (ii) communications and press officers in each year since 2003 and (b) plans to spend on salaries of (A) special advisers and (B) communications and press officers in 2010-11. (268106)

Since 2003, the Government have been committed to publishing an annual list detailing the number and costs of special advisers. Information for 2007-08 was published by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 99-102WS. The salary costs of communications and press officers in the Scotland Office is as follows:

Plans for 2010-11 have yet to be finalised.