To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2010, Official Report, column 171W, on the Speaker’s adviser, for what reason the financial implications of creating a new post of special adviser to the Speaker were not (a) discussed by the House of Commons Commission and (b) referred to the Finance and Services Committee. [324985]

The question of personal support staff for Mr. Speaker is a matter for him. No additional financial authority was required for the appointment of a special adviser as the costs are being met within existing budgets.