Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Direct Ministerial Appointment portal entry, Chair of the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, what is the business case for paying the chair £452,018 per annum, and whether it will be pensionable.

The Chair of the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan is remunerated in line with Ministry of Justice judicial salary arrangements for a Lord Justice of Appeal.

The figure of £452,018 published on the Direct Ministerial Appointment portal reflects the total cost to Government of the appointment and is not the Chair's salary alone. The figure includes the employer's pension contribution and other costs such as employer's National Insurance. Pension arrangements are administered in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions.