HC Deb 03 March 1981 vol 1000 cc77-8W
23. Mr. Jim Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there has been any increase in the work load of the Medicines Inspectorate since the number of inspectors was established; and whether there has been any increase in the number of inspectors during this period.

46. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services how many inspectors are employed in the Medicines Inspectorate; when this number was established; and whether this number has been reviewed since.

49. Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to increase the number of inspectors in the Medicines Inspectorate.

Dr. Vaughan

The work load of the Medicines Inspectorate in terms of sites to be inspected has increased steadily since the number of inspectors was established at 22 in 1974 and adjusted to 21 in April 1980 following a review of staffing levels. There are at present 16 inspectors in post and steps are in train towards filling the outstanding vacancies. There are no plans at present to increase the number of inspectors.