To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will bring forward legislative proposals for a statutory cap on the number of special advisers within the Government. (271968)

The Government’s legislative proposals for the civil service, including special advisers, are set out in the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) with reference to the written ministerial statement, 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 99-102WS, on special advisers, and with reference to paragraph 72 of the Cabinet Office memorandum to the House of Lords Communications select committee, 14 October 2008, which special advisers are employed primarily in the area of communications; (270184)

Special advisers' duties and responsibilities are set out in code of conduct for special advisers. It is for appointing Ministers to decide on the allocation of responsibilities in respect of individual special advisers.

Copies of the ‘Code of Conduct for Special Advisers’ have been placed in the Library of the House, and are available at

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/special_advisers/code/code.aspx

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what requirements there are on special advisers to declare (a) their financial interests and (b) hospitality received. (271959)

The requirements for civil servants, including special advisers, in relation to the declaration of financial interests and hospitality are set out in the civil service code and civil service management code, copies of which are available in the Libraries of both Houses.