Special Advisers Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Special Advisers

Lord Campbell-Savours Excerpts
Monday 7th June 2010

(14 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Strathclyde Portrait Lord Strathclyde
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Yes, my Lords, and naturally that is subject to the coalition agreement. However, clear rules are set out in the Ministerial Code on the number of special advisers and who is entitled to them. That, of course, speaks for itself.

Lord Campbell-Savours Portrait Lord Campbell-Savours
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My Lords, perhaps we could have this issue clarified at the beginning of the term of this Government. If a special adviser to a coalition Cabinet Member breached the code, who would be responsible for disciplining that adviser? Would it be the Prime Minister?

Lord Strathclyde Portrait Lord Strathclyde
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My Lords, discipline is up to the Minister who appoints the special adviser. The Prime Minister agrees the appointment, but it is the Minister who appoints the adviser who is responsible for discipline.