Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Strathclyde (Conservative) on Monday, 23 May 2011.

Government: Special Advisers

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many special advisers have been employed by the Government in each year since 2005; and how many are currently employed.

Answer: The Government are committed to publishing, on a quarterly basis, details of special advisers and their cost. The most recent information published on 10 March 2011 shows a total of 74 special advisers in post with an estimated pay bill for the period 12 May 2010 to 31 March 2011 of £4.9 million. This compares to 78 special advisers in posts as at the end of March 2010 at a cost of £6.8 million for the year 2009-10. For the period 2005 to 2009, the numbers and cost of special advisers were published on an annual basis and copies are also available in the Library of the House.

Secondary information