To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what procedures were used to recruit Mr. Speaker's special adviser; who (a) carried out those procedures and (b) set the salary for that post; and what the (i) salary and (ii) job specification is for that post. (293163)

Mr. Speaker's special adviser was engaged via a contract for Services—not an employment contract—under the House's normal procurement arrangements. He is to be paid an agreed rate per day worked. The amount is commercial in confidence.

A copy of the special adviser's job description is being placed in the Library.