Written question asked by Lord Tyrie (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 July 1999. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Friday, 23 July 1999 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will estimate the average cost of providing (a) office accommodation and (b) secretarial support for (i) a departmental special adviser and (ii) one official at Grade 5 and above in the last year for which figures are available. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Tyrie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will estimate the average cost of providing (a) office accommodation and (b) secretarial support for (i) a departmental special adviser and (ii) one official at Grade 5 and above in the last year for which figures are available. [87964] Mr. Kilfoyle: There are no set rules on the level of provision of office accommodation and secretarial support for civil servants, including special advisers. Information on actual costs is not held centrally. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested. However, in respect of the Cabinet Office, members of the Senior Civil Service with a JESP score of between 7 and 12 (equivalent to an old style Grade 5) normally have their own office and a dedicated secretary. The two special advisers appointed by my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, share an office and a secretary.

Secondary information