In particular, they broaden the range of policy advice upon which Ministers can draw. None of this need be threatening to the traditional role of the civil service. Advisers should be seen as augmenting this role, not diminishing it. However, we believe that it is time to put the position of special advisers on a firmer footing. This is what our recommendations are designed to achieve.
Special advisers are now an established part of government.
The time has come to recognise this in the way they are treated. There will be no press conference. Further information is available from Committee staff. The Committee was nominated on Wednesday 16 July 1997. Its terms of reference are to examine the reports of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsmen, and to consider matters relating to the quality and standards of administration provided by Civil Service departments, and other matters relating to the Civil Service.