Written question asked by Lord Tyrie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 February 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Friday, 4 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether departmental special advisers have been responsible for authorising instances of departmental spending since May 1997; whether departmental special advisers have given instructions to permanent civil servants without the explicit authorisation of Ministers since May 1997. - Ref to 16 December 2004, 428 c1259. One special adviser currently has such powers.

Answer: Mr. Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether departmental special advisers have been responsible for authorising instances of departmental spending since May 1997; [203917] (2) whether departmental special advisers have given instructions to permanent civil servants without the explicit authorisation of Ministers since May 1997. [203972] Mr. Caplin: I refer to the answer given on 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1259, by my hon. Friend, the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Miliband). One special adviser currently has such powers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1177W; 203917;203972
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Civil servants Government departments Public expenditure Special advisers Ministry of Defence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk