HC Deb 18 March 1997 vol 292 cc587-8W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees of the Medicines Control Agency on 13 October 1995 had a qualification in epidemiology; and if he will make a statement. [20145]

Mr. Malone

It is not possible to state how many employees employed by the Medicines Control Agency on 13 October 1995 had a qualification in epidemiology as the agency does not keep such records.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the recruitment and retention of staff in the Medicines Control Agency with a qualification in epidemiology. [20146]

Mr. Malone

The Medicines Control Agency has an epidemiology unity with the post-licensing division which has staff with expertise and experience in pharmaco-epidemiology. Regarding recruitment and retention, the MCA is continually looking at ways in which to increase the complement of professional staff in general, including use of the agency's delegated authority to speed up the recruitment process and the flexibilities in terms and conditions which may be available.